In 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) revealed that there had been a 13% increase in the number of employees nationwide filing claims relating to sexual harassment on the back of the viral #MeToo movement. At the same time, private investigators also saw a considerable increase in the number of cases they were hired for, which involved sexual harassment or other forms of sexual misconduct.
Let’s take a closer look at how a private investigator in Knoxville TN could help with a #MeToo related complaint.
What is the #MeToo Movement?
The #MeToo Movement first originated on social media back in 2006. However, it didn’t truly begin to go viral until the allegations of sexual abuse against Harvey Weinstein were made public in late 2017. Actress Alyssa Milano took to Twitter to encourage any woman who had been a victim of sexual assault or harassment to use the hashtag #MeToo to highlight just how widespread the problem is. This not only helped survivors see that they did not stand alone but also encouraged men to reflect on their behavior and work to destroy the systemic objectification of women. In the wake of the movement, corporations and other organizations were forced to reevaluate how they responded to sexual misconduct claims in the workplace. Previously it had become standard practice for companies to pay off those complaining of sexual harassment and force them into non-disclosure agreements to sweep it under the rug and avoid scandal. Many women also feared retaliation if they made such a complaint and, as a result, stayed silent. The #MeToo movement encouraged a welcome shift in this culture.
Where Does a Private Investigator Fit In All This?
You might be asking yourself, how does a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, fit into the #MeToo movement? Unfortunately, while the movement triggered many positive changes in stamping out sexual misconduct in the workplace or making female employees more confident in reporting it, many cases came down to ‘he said she said’ in their nature. While most claims have some validity, there is also a minority who used attempted to manipulate the #MeToo movement with false accusations. To ensure internal investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct were processed objectively, many Tennessee businesses have turned to a private investigator in Knoxville, TN, to get to the truth.
Every private investigator in Knoxville, TN – and indeed the rest of the nation – is bound by a code of ethics that means they must side with the truth. This is essential in cases that involve sexual misconduct, especially where there is a lack of physical evidence, and a decision has to be made regarding who is telling the truth. Using investigation techniques, analysis of previous patterns of behavior, and other tools such as polygraph examinations, a private investigator in Knoxville TN can uncover the truth behind a #MeToo allegation and make sure that the correct course of action is taken. They can also work with a corporation to evaluate how such claims are handled internally to ensure that a more objective, but diligent approach is taken. This can help to make victims feel more secure in coming forward with a complaint, while also making sure that either party cannot manipulate the system.
Uncover the truth!
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Ken Shull served as a Special Agent with the FBI for almost 25 years and was head of the FBI Polygraph program until his retirement in 2001. At that time he set up the Kendall Investigations practice as a private investigator in Knoxville, TN offering Polygraph services, private investigations, and security guards. Ken is a member of the American Polygraph Association and The American Association of Police Polygraphists.
The Truth is Still the Truth Even if No One Believes it, A Lie is Still a Lie Even if Everyone Believes it.