Founder and Managing Partner
Q: What should I do if I am a victim of sexual assault or harassment while riding the transit system?
Maybe the only thing more stressful and frightening than driving in Los Angeles or any other major city, is having to rely on the public transit system instead–particularly if you are a woman and fearing sexual assault or harassment.
Well, if you’ve been bothered by creeps invading your personal space on the platform, unwelcome cat calls and groping, or worse, the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has a plan to help those who fear for their safety while riding the transit system.
Los Angeles will be the first transit agency in the world to offer riders a “24/7 sexual harassment hotline.”
The revolutionary one-year pilot program offers a confidential 24/7 hotline riders can call to report incidents of sexual harassment or assault while riding Metro. When riders call the hotline at 1-844-OFFLIMITS, they can report the incident and receive direction from trained counselors on available resources to get help. The victim’s hotline will be supported by counselors at Peace Over Violence–a nonprofit that has been serving sexual assault victims for decades.
Sexual assault is non-consensual sexual contact that can come at the hands of strangers, acquaintances, partners and even family members. Some examples include inappropriate touching, rape, voyeurism, exhibitionism, Sexual harassment, and more.
Sexual assault victims can press criminal charges against their attackers. In addition, they can bring civil lawsuits against their attackers as well as third parties like businesses, schools, or other entities whose failure to provide adequate security may have contributed to the attack, depending on the particular circumstances of their case.
While it can be difficult, it’s important to immediately contact the police and get medical help if you’ve been the victim of a sexual assault. In addition, you should contact a personal injury attorney to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve sustained. Compensation may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income, medical expenses, psychological counseling, and more.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault or harassment, the attorneys at the Law Firm of J&Y will compassionately and confidently help you through the complicated legal process of a personal injury suit so you can focus on your recovery.
The emotional and financial burdens of sexual assault can be devastating, so don’t be victimized twice. Call us today at 888-806-6722 for a free consultation. We’ve been helping victims throughout California and nationwide from our offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, Rancho Cucamonga, San Francisco, and Sacramento.