By: Katy Kantry
In a disturbing turn of events that raises significant concerns for both public safety and the integrity of local businesses a man currently under suspicion for rape, has been hired as a security guard by The Greenhouse. Despite serious allegations against him, the Hathian Police Department (HPD) has yet to move forward in any meaningful way with their investigation, leaving both the victim and the community at large questioning the priorities of the authorities.
The victim, who has bravely come forward to report her assault, endured the invasive and humiliating process of submitting to a rape kit, a procedure meant to gather crucial forensic evidence for cases of sexual violence. However, despite the availability of this evidence, the HPD has shown a remarkable lack of urgency, allowing the case to stagnate for months while the victim’s trauma remains unresolved and her attacker walks free.
What makes this situation even more troubling is that the accused, is employed as a security guard at The Greenhouse, a well-known establishment in the heart of Hathian. This business is predominantly female-staffed, including its owner, raising the question: how could a company, with such a large portion of women working under its roof, place its trust in a man facing accusations of sexual violence?
The Victim’s Struggle for Justice
The victim’s journey to seek justice has been riddled with frustration and pain. After the assault, she made the difficult decision to come forward, knowing the risks that can come with reporting rape…social stigma, doubt, and the potential of reliving the trauma throughout a legal battle. Despite this, she followed through with the procedure, submitting herself to the grueling process of a rape kit exam. This step is a critical one in sexual assault cases, as it collects DNA, physical evidence, and traces that could potentially convict the perpetrator.
But this brave step has been met with a wall of silence. For months now, the HPD has been sitting on the evidence, failing to investigate with the speed and care this case deserves. The lack of attention to such a serious crime signals an alarming disconnect between the police force and the community’s need for justice, especially when the victim’s willingness to cooperate has been met with what feels like bureaucratic indifference. It also leaves us questioning just how many rape kits sit untested in the HPD’s evidence locker?
The Greenhouse Depository’s Questionable Decision
Equally unsettling is the decision of The Greenhouse Depository to employ the man in a role that puts him in a position of power and authority over others. As a security guard, the man is entrusted with the safety of the business and its staff which a majority of whom are women, including the owner. In light of the allegations against him, it seems irresponsible at best, and dangerous at worst, for The Greenhouse to hire someone with such a cloud hanging over their head.
While it’s true that individuals are innocent until proven guilty, businesses that care about the safety and well-being of their employees, especially female employees, should take into account the nature of accusations like these when hiring for sensitive roles. It’s clear this is not the man’s first sexual assault charge and his criminal records are a list of violence. A regulated business is obligated by state regulations to do background checks on their employees, which could potential put The Greenhouses distribution licensing in jeopardy. By employing him, The Greenhouse is not just risking its reputation; it’s potentially endangering its staff, many of whom might not be aware of the serious allegations against the man tasked with protecting them.
A Disturbing Pattern?
This isn’t the first time the HPD has been accused of dragging its feet on a case involving sexual violence. Time and again, victims in Hathian have reported delays, inaction, or even dismissiveness from the authorities when it comes to their cases. The same questions continue to arise: Why is the HPD not treating these cases with the urgency they demand? And how many more victims will have to wait indefinitely for justice, watching as their assailants walk free?
His employment by The Greenhouse also raises larger ethical concerns about how businesses vet the individuals they hire, particularly in positions that involve authority or protection. Should a company feel confident hiring someone with a pending rape accusation for a security role? Shouldn’t there be more caution exercised in cases where the potential for harm exists, especially in workplaces where women make up the majority?
The Message to the Community
The message being sent to the community, particularly to women, is a troubling one. The Greenhouse Depository, through its employment of a suspected rapist, and the HPD, through its negligent handling of the case, both seem to be signaling that the safety and dignity of women are secondary concerns. A business that places profit over safety by employing someone with such grave accusations, and a police force that refuses to prioritize the investigation of sexual violence, contribute to an environment where victims are afraid to come forward and justice remains out of reach.
As the victim continues to wait for justice, the community at large must ask itself whether this is the kind of city we want to live in. Can we trust businesses like The Greenhouse Depository to make decisions that prioritize the safety of their staff? Can we trust the HPD to act swiftly when our most vulnerable citizens come forward with their trauma?
Holding Institutions Accountable
It’s time for answers. The HPD must be held accountable for its slow handling of rape cases like this one, and The Greenhouse Depository must rethink its decision to employ someone under such serious suspicion. The safety and well-being of the community, particularly the women in Hathian, should never be an afterthought.
As this case continues to unfold, the Hathian Observer will be watching closely, asking the tough questions that need to be asked and holding those in power to account. For now, the man remains employed as security at The Greenhouse Depository, while his victim waits for a justice that seems increasingly elusive.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual violence, local resources are available to provide support and guidance.
((24/10: This article has been amended to remove the name of the accused after OOC consent was withdrawn))
