Can you help me clear my name over a false sexual allegation claim?
Wednesday 3rd May 2023
EM
We were contacted recently by a client Birmingham who was dealing with a very sensitive subject. He wanted to know if a lie detector test could help prove his innocence for a work-related allegation.
Question:
I work in a nightclub in Birmingham and have been accused by one of the staff members of inappropriate behaviour. I am the manager of the club, and a female member of staff has complained to the owner that I have touched her and made lewd comments.
We all harmlessly “banter” with each other, but I have never said anything that I would consider offensive or suggestive to any of my staff. I am a married father of two young children, and this allegation has reached my wife and has now caused me to have a disciplinary hearing with my boss. I have also been reported to the police and taken in for questioning.
The issue was a few months ago, when the club had just closed, and we were cleaning. There was only me and this member of staff in the main room, and security was outside ensuring everyone was leaving peacefully. My subordinate has always been very flirty with me, and I have always found this flattering; however, when we were restocking the fridges, she grabbed my upper leg and tried to kiss me. I immediately pushed her away and explained that although she was very attractive and I was honoured, I was married with children and uninterested. Since then, I have placed us on opposite shifts to save her from the embarrassment, but also to ensure this does not happen again.
My assistant manager has been working alongside her and reported the "supposed" incident to my superior. My staff member has claimed that I have commented many times on the size of her breasts and told her things I would like to do to her. She also claims that on the night in question, I reached up her skirt and into her knickers. She has reported me for sexual harassment at work and for sexual assault to the police.
I am devastated and have been suspended from work. The club in question is a small local club, and therefore the rumour mill is in full swing. Everyone appears to believe that this girl and my name is being dragged through the mud. Could a lie detector test help me with this situation?
Damien, Birmingham
Examiners response:
I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with such a stressful and reputation-damaging situation. Initially, I would like to express that, unfortunately, you are not alone, and many clients approach us to undergo polygraph testing for sexual harassment and false allegations to the police.
Your accuser is obviously feeling rejected and embarrassed that she has misread the signals you have been giving her; what you consider to be work "banter" has been clearly misunderstood. There are several factors to consider in your situation. It would be wise to find out exactly what she has accused you of saying so that a direct question can be asked during the test on this specific comment. The reason for this is that sometimes "banter" could be considered lewd, harmless, or otherwise.
A lie detector test to prove to your wife that you are not guilty of what you have been accused of is always a good idea. This is a problem because if she cannot find definitive proof you are innocent, the incident will continue to play on her mind and could potentially be brought up in future arguments. Putting this to bed in your marriage should be of paramount importance.
Lie detector tests are not admissible in court at present and therefore may not be taken into consideration by your employer. Police forces in the UK do use polygraph testing on the release of sex offenders, and therefore undergoing a test for this sort of issue will always be looked at favourably; however, as previously mentioned, it is down to the individual investigator (be that work or the police) if it is a sign of your innocence.
Free advice is available
Do you have a question and you don’t know if a polygraph can help? Ask our examiner by emailing us or calling our dedicated Customer Support Team on 0800 774 7268.
