EspañolSexual Abuse Allegedly Took Place During Hazing Rituals With Centurions Football Team
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (October 20, 2023) – An LAPD detective has filed a legal claim against the city alleging that he was sexually abuse by police officers he played football with.
The claim was filed on October 16. Court documents state the plaintiff was training at the Police Academy in 2009 when supervisors recruited him to play on the Centurions.
He was told that participation would help his career and that rejecting the invitation would negatively impact his chances at a promotion. He has alleged that from the very first tryout he was harassed and hazed by senior players.
During one event, he was ordered to strip naked in the locker room and when he refused he was hit with objects and liquid. After the assault, officers pressured him to remain silent about what happened.
Liability For Sexual Assault Involving Police Officers
Sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace is far more common than many people realize. According to the International Labour Organization, “More than one in five people (almost 23 per cent) in employment have experienced violence and harassment at work, whether physical, psychological or sexual, according to a new joint analysis, the first of its kind, by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF) and Gallup.” There are a number of steps that employers should take in order to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
- Employers should develop and communicate clear procedures which define what constitutes sexual harassment.
- Employers should outline clear reporting procedures and emphasize a commitment to a harassment free workplace.
- Senior leaders in the workplace should lead by example and exhibit respectful behavior towards employees.
- Employers should provide regular training on preventing sexual harassment.
Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (“FEHA”), employers are considered strictly liable for a supervisors sexual harassment in the workplace. This is true even if an employer was unaware that a supervisor was engaging in sexual harassment. However, for liability to apply, the abuser must have been acting within their capacity as a supervisor. See, for example, Atalla v. Rite Aid Corp., 2023 WL 2521909 (Cal. Ct. App. Feb. 24, 2023). It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any instance of workplace sexual harassment.
- Emails, text messages and other forms of written communication related to the abuse should be kept.
- Witness statements should be taken.
- Human resources records related to the abuse should be preserved.
- Medical records related to any injuries sustained in the abuse should be examined.
Sexual harassment and abuse is one of the most difficult things that most people will ever have to content with. It can be humiliating and degrading. Victims of sexual abuse often suffer from PTSD, anxiety and depression. It is also common for them to contend with threats from their abuser(s). Any person that is sexually abused in the workplace may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to the LAPD detective seeking justice in this instance. Any person that may have more information about what happened should come forward. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent this from happening again.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by an employer in Los Angeles County? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
