TSA screening procedures could traumatize sexual assault victims, causing them panic, stress, and anxiety, says a national advocacy group.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) said in a statement released this week that victims of sexual assault and violence could feel re-victimized or have strong emotional reactions resulting in stress and anxiety due to new TSA screening procedures.
“We believe that our national security mechanisms should not cause thousands of travelers to relive or experience sexual trauma,” NSVRC and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape CEO Delilah Rumburg said in a statement.
The NSVRC claimed that full-body scanners could affect victims of sexual assault who were previously violated by having their photographs taken. Pat-downs done by TSA agents of the same gender could affect victims whose previous perpetrators were the same gender, the group said.
“We want to encourage a society where feeling safe also includes mutual respect and dignity. That is why we urge the TSA to stop using these invasive procedures immediately,” Rumburg added.
The TSA, which has created a wave of controversy over its new screening procedures, has maintained that its new rules are appropriate, effective, and necessary.
In response to the backlash, TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a statement that “there is a continual process of refinement and adjustment to ensure that best practices are applied and that feedback and comment from the traveling public is taken into account.”
“We welcome feedback and comments on the screening procedures from the traveling public, and ... [w]e are constantly evaluating and adapting our security measures,” he added.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) said in a statement released this week that victims of sexual assault and violence could feel re-victimized or have strong emotional reactions resulting in stress and anxiety due to new TSA screening procedures.
“We believe that our national security mechanisms should not cause thousands of travelers to relive or experience sexual trauma,” NSVRC and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape CEO Delilah Rumburg said in a statement.
The NSVRC claimed that full-body scanners could affect victims of sexual assault who were previously violated by having their photographs taken. Pat-downs done by TSA agents of the same gender could affect victims whose previous perpetrators were the same gender, the group said.
“We want to encourage a society where feeling safe also includes mutual respect and dignity. That is why we urge the TSA to stop using these invasive procedures immediately,” Rumburg added.
The TSA, which has created a wave of controversy over its new screening procedures, has maintained that its new rules are appropriate, effective, and necessary.
In response to the backlash, TSA Administrator John Pistole said in a statement that “there is a continual process of refinement and adjustment to ensure that best practices are applied and that feedback and comment from the traveling public is taken into account.”
“We welcome feedback and comments on the screening procedures from the traveling public, and ... [w]e are constantly evaluating and adapting our security measures,” he added.
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