She had worked there for many years before this happened. She did transfer positions, but it was to her detriment. It was a lose-lose situation for her.

The employee ultimately had to leave her position and move to another role at Amazon, according to the complaint.

“Amazon’s conduct has also cost [the employee] far more than a paycheck,” the complaint stated. “Before the rape, her career was thriving. When she changed roles, she lost seven years of hard work and advancement. She has lost wages too. But the betrayal is the harm she carries every day.”

Free noted the lawsuit focuses on Amazon’s conduct and the responsibility of employers to protect workers who report sexual assault.

“This is a systemic issue,” Free said. “All too often, institutions protect powerful men at the expense of sexual assault survivors, and it’s time for a change.”

The employee is seeking damages for lost wages and employment benefits, future lost earnings, and emotional harm, including anxiety, humiliation, and damage to her reputation, according to the complaint. The amount would be determined at trial.

“I really hope that I can encourage other women to speak up and report these acts because it is only perpetuated if we don’t,” the employee said. “And women deserve better, and we deserve protection and safety from all of these organizations.”