Putting an End to Institutional Cover Ups in Sexual Assault Cases

From elite schools to religious organizations, the military, hospitals to housing shelters and in every industry imaginable, sexual assault by leaders have historically been kept under wraps to protect “those at the top.”

Leadership or management that hinders sexual assault victims from seeking justice are BREAKING THE LAW. These illegal actions include:

1. Failing to seriously address the victim’s report of sexual assault. Whether or not the intention was to protect the guilty party, the duty to take action on a sexual assault report is required by law.
2. Attempting to cause distrust in the allegations. This may be by using personal information, a personal assessment or unrelated information to make the victim look less credible.
3. Hiding or destroying evidence.
4. Changing job positions or transferring the predator.
5. Any action intended to avoid financial loss or bad press, to the detriment of the victim.
6. Lacking, or ignoring, procedure; especially when resulting in delays.
7. Any action, threat or comment that is purposed to “keep the victim quiet”, including the use of non-disclosure agreements and confidential settlements to hide prior sexual assaults.
8. Threats to safety or security: residents of housing may be made to feel they will lose their homes or suffer harassment.
9. Accusations of breaking chain of command: Quite commonly, victims who speak to someone they trust may be made to feel they are breaking the chain of command—bypassing immediate superiors.

Leaders of institutions hold a duty to protect, and to uphold the law. Any owner, officer or leader who fails to take formal action on a sexual assault report is breaking the law.

Anyone of authority who is hiding information about a sexual assault, as well as the institution itself, is as guilty as the perpetrator.

The only way to end the systemic culture of cover-up is to hold institutions accountable. Steps being taken in California include:

1. Extending the time limit for taking legal action on cases in the past, California’s Lookback Window (link,)
2. Changing in the standards of accountability by institutions (ie: The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s Policies),
3. Expanding access to Justice for Survivors
4. and reducing the stigma by increasing Public Awareness.

 

INSTITUTIONAL COVER-UP – RUNNING DOWN THE CLOCK

If you have been sexually assaulted by a member of an institution and have been hindered by delays, unsupportive reactions or threats, or even feel as if you are defending yourself, I want you to know that this is an intentional tactic. Going through this alone not only delays your healing process, but can make you feel that those around you question your merit and creditability. You may be in fear of losing your job, your role or the respect of others. You may even feel threatened by your assailant or those who are shielding the facts to protect their own situations.

It is important you come forth now.

The State of California has recognized how institutions use their power to conceal sexual assault by someone they are responsible for.  It IS possible to hold them accountable, and you DO have an opportunity to seek justice, even for sexual crimes committed in the past.

Institutional Delays Result in Freedom for HomeRise Staff Member Accused of Multiple Acts of Sexual Assault

Over a period of 5 years, residents of the HomeRise Shelter filed sexual assault and harassment reports against Salesh Prasad, a high level worker at their homeless shelters. Time and time again, residents, and even staff members, reported forced (under threat) prostitution acts, illegal sexual acts, sexual propositioning and menacing actions by Salesh Prasad.

HomeRise failed to take any legal action and impeded investigation.  Organization leadership continued to employ Prasad, in positions dangerous to residents and transferred him to other locations, while actively suppressing the allegations, causing questions about the credibility of victims and leveraging the fear of eviction against them.

Former employees have attested to the allegations. Prasad eventually resigned due to heavy media coverage and pressure. His departure ended the investigation and has yet to be held accountable for his crimes.

As a result of this, and similar cases, San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) has reformed its oversight policies to prevent non-profits from hiding complaints and allegations.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY IS POSSIBLE!

Archdiocese of San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The Roman Catholic Archbishop of San Francisco (RCASF) announced on Monday it had reached an agreement in principle to a financial settlement of $395 million for sexual abuse survivors. The proposed settlement would resolve over 500 lawsuits related to child sexual abuse claims leveled against the RCASF under California Assembly Bill 218 (AB-218).

SF Archdiocese agrees to nearly $400M in sexual abuse settlement

Diocese Of Oakland

After the Catholic Church failed to report allegations of sexual assault, Sandra Ribera Speed obtained a successful $3.5Million settlement against the Diocese for their role in the cover up.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/oakland-diocese-settles-sex-abuse-suit-from-man-alleging-he-was-raped/2418369/

Penn State Football Coach Protected After years of Allegations of Sexual Assault

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Gerald A. Sandusky
Penn State Coach Jerry Sandusky was handed a 30-60 year prison sentence after being found guilty of 45 counts of child sexual abuse over a period of 10 years.

How Could This Happen?

Top Administration was also found guilty of covering up and concealing the facts (ABC News) related to the case for over 10 years, including taking reports but failing to file, in order to avoid bad publicity and protect the Football Program.
Penn State eventually was fined $60Million, vacated of 14 years of football victories and eventually paid out over $100Million to victims.

There are many cases where institutions have not been held accountable for assisting the guilty in hiding from justice. It is vitally important that victims report and seek legal counsel to ensure that they, and others, receive the justice they deserve and help to protect others in similar situations. Do not be intimidated. I will stand by your side to hold these institutions accountable.

If  you have experienced sexual assault cover ups or hindering of your attempts to seek justice please Contact Us to discuss your options.