NBC in an exclusive story on Thursday revealed that Uber received 235 reports of a rape occurring during a ride in the United States last year — an average of four a week., according to a company review released Thursday.

These figures come from a company review itself. And these sexual assaults have led to a flood of lawsuits from riders who were reportedly sexually assaulted by Uber drivers.

In an extensive new report, Uber reveals:

– 235 reports of rape in 2018, up from 229 in 2017.

– 280 reports of attempted rape in 2018, down from 307 in 2017.

– 1,560 reports of groping in 2018, up from 1,440 in 2017.

– 376 reports of unwanted kissing to the breast, buttocks or mouth in 2018, down from 390 in 2017.

– 594 reports of unwanted kissing to a different body part in 2018, up from 570 in 2017.

In all, Uber received 5,981 reports of sexual abuse between 2017 and 2018.

NBC said that even Uber’s chief legal officer acknowledged that the figures were difficult to confront.

Although riders were the accused party in 45 percent of the reports filed, in the case of alleged rapes, however, riders were the victims in 92 percent of the 464 reports.

NBC reported: “Other ride-hailing companies, including Lyft, have faced similar allegations.”

So, here’s The VOICE’s question:

“Will victims have the right to sue politicians and others who have been fighting to introduce ride hailing services in B.C.?”

Also, NBC reported: “Uber went public earlier this year, but its stock has floundered. In August, Uber reported a record quarterly loss of $5.2 billion. And in October, the company laid off 350 employees in what was the third round of cuts in recent months.”