Earlier this week, TV 2 was able to tell about 22 years old Vilde-Marie Sivertsen who had been asked about sex by a taxi driver. She filmed the incident and reported the case to the police with the film as evidence.
Shortly afterwards, the police dropped the case, and justified the closure by saying that the video did not hold as evidence. This worries Anneli Sætre Aarum (21), who herself is waiting for the police to process a report.
– I have a strong feeling that they will close the case. It just feels that way, says Aarum.
Was kissed and touched
At the end of September, she had been on a city trip in Oslo with some friends. Once after 02.00 she took a taxi home to Ski, and had a nice chat with the driver on the road.
– He was ordinary and friendly, and came with fatherly advice, so I did not think anything was wrong, says Aarum.
On the other hand, it was when she had paid and had to get out of the car that the situation became unpleasant. The taxi driver, a man in what Aarum estimates to be in her 40s, suddenly leaned towards her.
– He started to take me on the thigh and force kiss me. I panicked and did not know what to do. I became incredibly uncomfortable, says Aarum.
She says that she repeatedly said she had to go, before she finally got out of the car and ran home crying.
– It came as a shock. I was afraid he would try to take off my clothes or something. It seemed like he wanted something more, says the 21-year-old.
– CHARACTERISTICS: Anneli experienced abuse by a taxi driver at home after a city trip. The incident has shocked her. Photo: Frode Sunde / TV 2
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– Scary
When she woke up the next morning, she called her mother and told her what had happened. Together, they agreed to report the incident to the police, in addition to sending a complaint to the taxi company.
– I went to the police because I think I’m probably not the only one he’s done it with. Maybe he’s abusing drunk girls who’re going home. There may be many who do not dare to speak out, says Aarum.
She describes the incident as terrible, and says she will never take a taxi again. Now the mother has to pick her up and drive her to places when she would otherwise use a taxi. In the evening, when she has finished in the shop she works in, it is dark outside. That’s enough to remind her of the incident.
– The journey home from work has started to make me uncomfortable and scared. It was a scary event, she says.
Think the case is closed
But even though the serious incident has left its mark, Aarum is in doubt whether the police will do anything about the case. After seeing how previous cases have been handled, despite seemingly strong evidence, it seems difficult to believe that the review will lead any way.
– In this case, he has physically touched me. But it still feels like they are going to close the case, she says.
The skepticism about the handling of the case prevails, even though she experienced being heard and believed when she reviewed the case.
– I was questioned by a very understanding lady. It seemed like she took the matter very seriously, but we’ll see what they do next.
Here, the taxi driver Vilde-Marie (22) asks about sex
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– Very serious
CEO of Cabonline Group, Dag Kibsgaard-Petersen, informs TV 2 that they have received the report from Aarum, and that the driver has been taken out of service.
– It is completely unacceptable and very serious. Everyone, regardless of gender and age, should feel safe and secure when taking a taxi with our company, says Kibsgaard-Petersen.
The driver drove for NorgesTaxi, which is part of the Cabonline Group. According to Kibsgaard-Petersen, it is very rare for them to receive complaints about this type of behavior. He is aware that regardless of the scope, there is something they do not accept.
– UNACCEPTABLE: CEO of Cabonline Group, Dag Kibsgaard-Petersen, says the behavior described is serious and unacceptable. Photo: Cabonline Group
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– We end the cooperation with drivers in such cases. In addition, we send a report of concern to the police, if it has not already been reported, so that they can also assess the driver’s driving license.
Whether the notified driver will be allowed to continue is currently unknown. Kibsgaard-Petersen says the case will be considered together with the police before they make a decision.
Because it is not allowed to install cameras and recording equipment inside taxis, companies depend on training that works and drivers who follow the rules. Courses, testing and interviews are therefore the most important preventive measures.
– All drivers must be well trained, and receive close follow-up by the company through re-certification, conversations and information, Kibsgaard-Petersen states.
TV 2 has contacted the Eastern Police District, which is processing the report, but they have not responded to the inquiry.
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