Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation offering convenience and accessibility to millions of people. However, beneath the surface of this innovation lies the pervasive issue of sexual violence. From 2020 to 2022, over 5,000 reports of sexual assault were linked to rideshare services—a shocking statistic that demands urgent action.
Sexual violence, as defined by the SVPA, encompasses all forms of rape, sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. It stems from existing power imbalances and serves as a tool to gain and maintain power, control, and oppression. Sexual violence can occur on an individual, institutional, and systemic level or through a combination thereof.
Workplace sexual violence is when sexual violence takes place in a professional setting related to one’s employment. In the context of rideshare apps, this often involves incidents occurring during rides, which are facilitated by the privacy and isolation of the car.
While rideshare companies claim to prioritize safety, the numbers paint a concerning picture. Uber has faced significant scrutiny regarding safety, particularly around sexual assault incidents. Their 2019 safety report revealed 5,981 cases in the U.S. over two years, while the 2022 report indicated a decrease to 2,717 incidents. Despite this reduction, the numbers still reflect a critical concern for passenger safety.
Lyft has also faced challenges, including lawsuits alleging negligence in handling sexual violence claims. Their 2022 transparency report disclosed 2,651 sexual assault reports, further highlighting the industry-wide issues.
Compounding these challenges, a 2021 study found that many incidents go unreported due to victims fearing retaliation or lacking trust in the system. Combined, these figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to enhance passenger safety and rebuild trust in ridesharing services.
We must prevent sexual violence resulting from rideshare apps. This will require a proactive, multi-pronged approach. Companies must implement mandatory driver training programs focused on recognizing boundaries, de-escalating conflicts, and understanding consent, alongside rigorous background checks and ongoing behavior reviews. Riders should be empowered to use the safety tools already available, such as trip-sharing features, emergency buttons, and vehicle verification, while also practicing situational awareness by sitting in the backseat and sharing their ride details with trusted contacts.
Technology must also play a central role, with innovations like real-time alerts for unusual trip patterns, anonymous communication, and optional dashcams to deter misconduct and document incidents. By combining education, awareness, and technology, rideshare companies can create a safer environment for all users.
For those who have experienced sexual violence in rideshare settings, support is critical. Organizations like Select Justice provide victims with information and help them to understand and exercise their rights. Select Justice can help you fight for your rights and pursue compensation if you believe you were harmed by Uber or another rideshare service.
Beyond individual support, it’s essential to hold rideshare companies accountable for their role in these incidents. This includes pressuring companies to strengthen their safety policies and ensuring they respond swiftly and transparently to reported cases. Together, we can prevent sexual violence in rideshare services.
