• 18
  • June
    2011

A sexual harassment case out of California is in the spotlight, in large part because of the publicized events of multiple sexual assault cases involving high-profile men.

The head of the International Monetary Fund was charged with raping a 32-year-old hotel maid. He was quickly removed from his position, and if the charges are true, he will face a 25-year prison sentence. The head of an important salt producing company in Egypt was also recently charged with sexually abusing a hotel maid.

The official charges brought against these high-ranking men have given a voice to hotel workers throughout the country.

One 34-year-old maid openly discussed attempts made by hotel patrons to pay her money for sex and massages. She has been a housekeeper since she was 15. After a man asked to pay her for sex, she reported it to her manager who asked the guest if her allegations were true. Naturally, the guest denied the accusation.

The woman reported that other guests open the doors to their rooms naked when housekeepers knock. Sadly, the first hotel the young woman worked at had management that did not care. That was 14 years ago. Now, the management she works under investigates allegations of sexual misconduct.

Many maids, not just in California, have to deal with the lewdness of hotel guests on a regular basis. Hopefully, as the cases continue receiving publicity, that will encourage other women to stand up and protect their rights.

Source: ABC News, "Hotel Housekeepers Share Tales of Sexual Harassment," Andrea Canning and Christina Caron, 1 June 2011