Articles Tagged with Nightclub Rape Victim

NightClub-300x200Defying a culture that has all too often silenced victims of sexual harassment, the #MeToo movement has ushered in a heightened social awareness of sexual misconduct in the workplace and beyond. Predators once protected by corporate profit margins and a social taboo of openly discussing harassment, sexual assault, and rape, are finally being held accountable and a fresh intolerance for such behavior is trickling into other social corners.

A January 2018 Noisey investigation explores How Nightclubs Are Taking a Stand Against Sexual Harassment amid the #MeToo movement:

Noisey interviewed a broad range of partygoers and nightlife professionals in New York City, and their words paint a troubling picture: that of one of the city’s best-known industries is struggling to adequately confront harmful behavior in the spaces where people go to enjoy themselves….

Several industry sources noted that clubs generally have internal policies around how to control customers’ behavior and deal with violent incidents—for example, when to stop serving someone alcohol, or when to call the police and how to deal with them when they arrive. Nevertheless, it’s rare for venues to have detailed policies for dealing with harassment specifically, and still less common for them to make those policies public. This lack of explicit protocol is surprising given how vulnerable nightlife venues can be to this kind of behavior….

There are signs of change, however. As Noisey’s reporting revealed, some New York clubs are beginning to tackle harassment more transparently, engaging actively with their customers and formulating explicit policies on how to stamp out such behavior.

Can Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault Seek Justice and Compensation? 

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

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(City of West Hollywood)

Nightclubs are often targets for criminal activity given late hours of operation and the (frequent) presence of alcohol. By law, bar and nightclub owners are required to protect their patrons from any foreseeable harm. The City of West Hollywood also urges patrons to practice safety precautions to protect themselves from potential predators.

Sexual Assault Prevention Safety Tips

  • Never accept a drink from anyone except the bartender and watch your drink being mixed. 
  • Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Never leave a bar or club with someone you have just met.
  • Avoid neighborhood danger zones: dark parking lots, alleys, walk ways with tall shrubs, walls, and fences.
  • Move away from unsafe situations if you feel threatened.

Read more safety practices here.

Best Safety Practices for Nighttime Establishments

Although a sexual assault may not occur within a nightlife establishment itself, management and employees can help prevent their premises from being exploited by sexual predators who may seek to take advantage of vulnerable patrons . Alcohol consumption can be a strong contributing factor to the loss of judgment and failure to perceive danger, which can lead to a tragedy. 

Employees should be attuned to behavior that seems overly familiar, aggressive or seductive under the circumstances, especially if the potential victim is visibly intoxicated or seems to be impaired.

Read more best practices here.

Victims of Nightclub Sexual Assault: Know Your Rights

If you are a victim of sexual assault get help. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis center. If possible, save your clothes, don’t shower or brush teeth, & seek medical attention immediately. Don’t isolate yourself, don’t feel guilty, and don’t just try to forget about it.  If you have a lapse of memory, or wake up in a strange place and feel you might have been a victim of a sexual assault, contact a local law enforcement agency immediately.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

Bar and nightclub patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, property owners are required to protect all patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should a nightclub owner fail in this critical responsibility, they may be held civilly liable for any injuries or wrongful deaths which occur as a consequence.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Our Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families of negligent nightclub security. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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