How to Report Rideshare Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves any sexual contact the recipient does not or cannot consent to. Rideshare sexual abuse is any nonconsensual sexual contact (actual or attempted) of drivers or riders during or shortly after rideshare trips.

Various dangerous situations may arise when using rideshare services, such as:

• Sexually aggressive language
• Transportation to an unfamiliar area
• Sexually aggressive touches
• Sexual assault or rape

Certain individuals are considered legally unable to provide consent, including:

• Minors
• People who are intellectually disabled
• Someone incapacitated by drugs or alcohol
• Those being explicitly threatened
• Individuals under distress, even if no explicit threat has been made

Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit after rideshare-related abuse can be an important step toward accountability and potential financial recovery. Lawsuits may help recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, therapy bills, pain and suffering and emotional distress.

You can report rideshare sexual abuse in different ways. But seeking medical attention and a safe location should always be the first step after abuse occurs. A survivor’s safety and well-being are the most important considerations to make.

Reporting to the rideshare company

Survivors can report sexual abuse to the rideshare company specifically via the company’s app.

Reporting to Lyft

The following steps can be taken to submit a complaint through the Lyft app:

• Open the app and tap the “Menu” icon.
• Tap “Ride History.”
• Select the ride during which the abuse occurred.
• Tap “Get Help” (iOS) or “Request Review / Report an issue” (Android).
• Select “Report a safety incident” or “Sexual misconduct,” describe the abuse, any driver details and other supporting evidence.
• Tap “Submit.”

Sexual abuse victims can also call Lyft’s 24/7 Safety Support team at 1-855-833-5938.

Reporting to Uber

Victims can report sexual abuse to Uber’s 24/7 Safety Support team through the Help menu in the Uber app. After you open the app, navigate to “Your Trips” and select the relevant ride, tap:

• “Help”
• “I had a safety issue”
• “Sexual Misconduct”

Provide a description of the incident, including the date, time and driver details. In partnership with RAINN, Uber also provides a confidential, specialized support line related to their app for survivors of sexual assault.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger or require medical attention. There might be an investigation after the report is made, possibly leading the company to suspend or fire the driver.

Reporting to law enforcement

Survivors can report the abuse to local law enforcement by following these step-by-step instructions:

• Call 911, travel to a police station or talk to an officer at a medical facility.
• Bring someone with you or request a victim advocate if necessary.
• Ask for a private setting to make your report.
• Be prepared to answer intrusive questions.
• Provide a description of the abuse, any driver details and other relevant evidence.

Your initial interview could take several hours, and additional follow-up conversations are common. If you need a break, let the interviewer know. After you complete the report, law enforcement might investigate and hold the responsible parties accountable. Because many sexual abusers are repeat offenders, filing a police report can help strengthen future claims.

It is helpful to report sexual abuse to both the rideshare company and law enforcement. Both of these formal reports will count as important evidence in a legal claim.

Sexual abuse survivors have the right to file a civil lawsuit. However, statutes of limitations will help determine eligibility for filing a claim. An attorney will play an important role in this process by gathering evidence, building the case, filing the claim and litigating in court.

Types of cases rideshare companies are taking

The types of sexual abuse cases Uber and Lyft are accepting include:

• Aggressive flirtation, threats
• Being driven off route with threats
• Nonconsensual touching/kissing/exposure
• Rape/penetration cases (oral or genital)

How do I report Uber driver harassment?

You can report Uber driver harassment using the Uber app. After you open the app, navigate to “Your Trips,” select the relevant ride, and tap “Help,” “I had a safety issue” and “Sexual Misconduct.” There, you can provide a detailed description of the incident, including the date and time of the occurrence and anything you remember about the driver. You can also call Uber’s Safety Incident Reporting Line for safety-related help.

Can I report rideshare abuse anonymously?

You might be able to report anonymously with certain rideshare platforms. However, a formal investigation may require your identification.

What qualifies as sexual misconduct?

According to a joint report produced by Raliance and the Urban Institute, sexual misconduct means unwanted sexual experiences not involving physical contact, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexually explicit or implicit experiences (without physical contact) that occur in a business setting.

What evidence will I need to report rideshare abuse?

Relevant evidence attached to formal reports might include your ride receipt, photos, videos, police reports, witness statements and medical records. The more evidence you collect, the greater your chance of filing a successful claim and recovering compensation for the harm you sustained.

Motley Rice attorneys always have our clients’ best interests at heart, especially when it comes to sensitive and traumatic cases, like rideshare sexual abuse, that are not easy to navigate or discuss. We collaborate with our clients using a trauma-informed approach to bring their stories to light and hold the appropriate parties accountable for their actions.

Our attorneys have advocated for numerous sexual abuse survivors in cases involving:

• The Boy Scouts of America
• The Catholic Church
• The LDS Church
• School teachers

Learn more about our sexual abuse litigation experience.