FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – As Human Trafficking Prevention Month winds down, Uber drivers will have a tool starting today to help spot victims of sex trafficking and ways to tip off police.
The company said the National Human Trafficking hotline will be provided to drivers via an in-app message in addition to educational information about ways they can help.
The effort is being met with mixed reactions as it comes amid hundreds of sexual assault allegations by Uber drivers.
Fort Worth-based attorney Quentin Brogdon represents one such victim and said Uber has historically not responded well to such cases.
His client, known only as “Jane Doe” said during a ride on October 22nd of last year, the driver Hashem Ramenzanpour stopped in a wooded area and violently sexually assaulted her.
Brogdon told our Kim Lampkins, “The driver is still a fugitive that’s what the police think. They have not yet located him.”
Ramenzanpour had an active assault case involving a minor at the time of the alleged rape.
Brogdon said Uber needs to put more effort into finding ways to keep its customers safe from drivers who could be dangerous.
“We’ll take your money to pair you with strangers for convenient rides. We’ve made promises about screening and safety but if we happen to pair you with a rapist….your on your own,” he said.
Brogdon said he’s reviewing Uber’s latest initiative.
The company said it has worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, EPCAT-USA and The McCain institute to develop resources for drivers to help identify and report human trafficking.
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