Scared Of That Perverted, Creepy Trainer? - An Article By Rainy

With sexual harassment in the news on a daily basis these days we look to the awesome Rainy for stellar advice, and she delivers big time, as always!

Scared of that Perverted, Creepy Trainer?

Rainy's approach to her life and her career is all about empowering herself and fulfilling her goals. She always seems to find that intelligent place where she can be tough, yet sensible, and she always keeps everything in perspective. She doesn't let anyone interfere with her goals, but doesn't go out of her way to be vindictive either.

Rainy's approach to handling sexual harassment can be applied to so many other areas of life also. She doesn't just take action to prove a point, she takes action that creates the best possible outcome for herself and others involved.

This is an incredibly well thought out article that everyone should read. Really great stuff!

Scared of that Perverted, Creepy Trainer?

I just read the article. Great information.......Rainy hit the mark AGAIN.

As she said in the article, you have to decide what you will/can put up with for the short term. You also have to decide what is/isn't important & appropriate for you and the situation.

Ernie

Rainy D's posts always have excellent content, not to mention they just 'flow' and make for a very easy read to the eyes.

Masterful job Rainy.

Should be required reading for anyone joining the forum attempting entry into Trucking.

Wow...thanks guys! twas great to wake to such responses.

I did.notice Brett said "tough but sensible" not "sensitive" hahahaha

My current trainee said im rather motherly, yet remind him of his ex wife at times

Rainy D's posts always have excellent content, not to mention they just 'flow' and make for a very easy read to the eyes.

Thanks Don. You might not know Im a suspense/thriller novelist. A woman from Austrailia wrote me saying she was terrified to stay in her house alone at night after she read my one books. My imagination is more horrific than anything i face out here on the road. I think that is why im like "stop being a freaking baby and do the job and get lots of money!" to some of these new drivers.

"You might not know Im a suspense/thriller novelist."

No, I did not know. I'm not surprised as your writing skills puts many of ours to shame.

Rainy D's posts always have excellent content, not to mention they just 'flow' and make for a very easy read to the eyes.

Thanks Don. You might not know Im a suspense/thriller novelist. A woman from Austrailia wrote me saying she was terrified to stay in her house alone at night after she read my one books. My imagination is more horrific than anything i face out here on the road. I think that is why im like "stop being a freaking baby and do the job and get lots of money!" to some of these new drivers.

RAINY

The longer you stay on a truck where you are being harassed, the harder it will be for the company to believe you. If something was so terrible, so devastating, then why did it take 3 months to come forward? And still you have no proof of video or voice recordings via a cell phone?

One article stated that although the female trainee encountered other male and female drivers from her company at truck stops and customers, she was afraid to tell of the abuse she suffered. She claimed the trainer smacked her legs and back side so hard it left welts and hand prints. Yet, while driving through her terminal at night, she didn't bother telling the mechanics because she didn't think they had any power to do anything. She was wrong, so wrong.

Don't Be Afraid To Speak Out I know some will read this and say, “Well, victims of abuse have trouble coming forward. They are ashamed and embarrassed.” I can understand a battered wife with no money and three kids finding it difficult to leave the situation. But this is not a relationship, this is a business endeavor. The woman has no obligation to the trainer, or even the company. She does have an obligation to protect herself, and by staying in the situation, she failed to protect herself.

I am glad you followed that up with "Don't be afraid to speak out", but even that won't be enough for some people. Some folks who have dealt with abuse (home or work) might feel like there is some victim blaming going on here. (I don't feel this way, but as a person who has to write professionally, I'm just telling you, that comment is coming).

I thought you came at it with a good deal of common sense and equality. Sex, Race & Gender (usually/should) go right out the window once you become a truck driver. If you can't stand up for yourself, trucking might not be the best career choice.

Great article - glad to see someone else using the super power of "putting yourself in someone else's shoes" to try to force some prospective view changes!

Good Afternoon

Many might not know this, but April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and today is Denim Jeans day. If you don't know what that is, I bet you can find out online. Reason I say this is because I just found out that the DoD published last years sexual assault numbers. Now, I am not comparing truck driving and Military service as the same, but the comment that Jrod made saying "If you can't stand up for yourself, trucking might not be the best career choice." might not be a fair comment. In the past couple of years, the infantry has allowed females to join there ranks if they can do the same as there male counterparts. I feel like it is less about the job choice and more about the individual's involved.

Here are a few numbers from the DoD, Overall, there were 6,769 reports of sexual assaults in the fiscal year that ended last Sept. 30, compared to 6,172 in 2016. The roughly 10 percent hike is the largest increase the Pentagon has seen since 2015.

I am a firm believer that all are equal but a few bad apples cast a wide shadow. Great article Rainy.

Best Wishes