Technology and Politics Raise New Challenges in San Francisco Sexual Abuse Cases
Sexual abuse has been occurring since the dawn of human civilization, but it mutates over time with our changing society. Each technological advancement presents new opportunities to harass, abuse, and stalk victims. Politicians attempt to address these changing circumstances with new legislation, but the politicians themselves are often guilty of sexual abuse. This is a challenging time for sexual abuse survivors in San Francisco, and recovery can seem like a daunting process. However, you are not alone in this battle, and an experienced sexual abuse lawyer in San Francisco might be able to help.
San Francisco City Attorney Takes Action Against Deepfake Websites
In August of 2024, City Attorney David Chiu sued numerous websites for providing “deepfake” AI services. These websites facilitate the creation of fake nudes, often transforming images of underage girls into pornography. This issue received widespread attention last year, when an entire community in Spain was plagued with these images. Teenage girls were confronted with pictures of themselves naked – pictures that they had never taken.
Eventually, a group of young boys were charged and sentenced for their involvement in creating the images. But authorities in San Francisco say that the website still exists, and there is still the potential for irrevocable, traumatic experiences. In California, there are strict laws against revenge porn and child pornography. As a result, one would assume that legal action against these sites is easy.
However, legal experts say that San Francisco could face an uphill battle in its lawsuit. This is something that many girls across California are currently struggling with, as anyone with an internet connection can create these images. This comes as social media platforms like Meta face class-action lawsuits for spreading addictive, harmful content among teens. Some say these platforms are not doing enough to stamp out revenge porn and deepfakes.
California Puts Forth New Bill to Prevent Hiring Sexual Harassers
A new bill in California could prevent colleges and universities from hiring known sexual harassers. Because of the way these colleges are currently structured, teachers accused of sexual harassment can resign and immediately apply for a new position at a different educational institution. This policy is sometimes referred to as “pass the harasser,” and East Bay Times calls it “higher ed’s worst-kept secret.”
This new bill would stamp out the policy by requiring institutions to carry out due diligence before hiring new applicants. This would force institutions to share relevant records with each other, including evidence of past sexual harassment.
This is such an obvious step that one has to wonder why it has taken the Golden State so long. Earlier this year, eight students from a single college sued their institution for failing to fire a professor who had sexually harassed them. Instead, this professor resigned and applied for a new job at a different institution. These stories are all too common, and they can easily be avoided.
Treasury Employee Receives $350,000 Settlement for Sexual Harassment
In August of 2024, a former State Treasury employee dropped a lawsuit against the State Treasurer in exchange for a $350,000 settlement. This settlement stems from a lawsuit filed back in 2021, in which the plaintiff accused the defendant of exposing herself. The plaintiff also says that the defendant crawled into bed with her when they were forced to share rooms and hotels.
The State Treasurer has denied all of these allegations. Initially, the staffer had sued for wrongful termination and racial discrimination, but both of these allegations were dismissed by the Sacramento Superior Court. However, the sexual harassment lawsuit was allowed to go ahead.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of this story is that the $350,000 settlement comes out of taxpayer money. In other words, this alleged sexual harassment cost the entire State of California – and everyone is now paying the price. Behind closed doors, many workers in San Francisco are probably suffering sexual abuse and harassment at the hands of influential politicians or powerful business leaders.
Reach Out to a Sexual Abuse Lawyer in San Francisco Today
If you need help with your sexual abuse lawsuit in San Francisco, consider a consultation with Mary Alexander & Associates. With help from our established law firm, you can hold your abusers accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. New technology makes it easier than ever before to commit inexcusable sexual crimes. People in positions of power are using their influence to commit unspeakable acts against innocent people. Despite these issues, there is always hope for justice. Reach out today, book a consultation, and get started with an action plan.
