Food Delivery Sexual Assault
Video Transcript
In this video, we’re discussing a seemingly growing issue that has emerged with the rise of food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. While convenient, these services have also resulted in alarming reports of sexual assault committed by and against delivery drivers and the users of these apps.
Over 100 million people utilize these services each year, relying on more than 1.4 million delivery drivers across the United States.
With this vast network, the potential for incidents, unfortunately, includes harmful encounters. Reports indicate that both drivers and customers are at risk of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, and even more severe violations.
Though exact numbers are elusive, a conservative estimate suggests that thousands of individuals might face such dangers annually.
Documented cases have shed light on this issue: in one reported instance, a delivery driver was arrested shortly after committing a violent assault on a minor who ordered McDonalds to her hotel room. These are not isolated events but part of a troubling pattern where predators exploit the accessibility granted by the food delivery apps.
If you ever find yourself in such a distressing situation, your immediate priority is safety. If possible, remove yourself from the location and contact law enforcement as soon as possible. Reporting the incident can trigger a criminal investigation and create a crucial paper trail should further harm occur or you take further action.
After you are safe, you should file a report with the app following their procedures. We highly recommend recording this process through a screen recording on your device and saving copies of all information provided to the food delivery app.
Beyond criminal proceedings, you may also the ability to hold the responsible parties accountable through civil actions. This includes potentially filing a lawsuit against against the delivery service if negligence in their hiring practices or lack of adequate safety protocols contributed to the incident.
For those navigating the aftermath of such incidents, legal recourse can provide compensation for physical and emotional trauma, covering everything from medical expenses to pain and suffering. The goal isn’t just compensation but also to prompt these platforms to implement stricter safety measures, to prevent future harm and to protect others.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault through a food delivery service, you can contact us. Helping Survivors can connect you with experienced attorneys who can guide you through your rights and options.