Cruise Ship Sexual Assault & Rape: Legal Options for Survivors

The Hidden Threat: Sexual Violence on Cruise Ships

Cruises are often seen as idyllic vacations that are safe for all ages. However, for some passengers, these dream vacations turn into nightmares due to the horrific reality of sexual assault and rape at sea.

This article sheds light on the disturbing prevalence of sexual violence on cruise ships, explores the challenges faced by survivors, and highlights the importance of seeking legal representation from a qualified attorney like Perkins Law Offices. Alex Perkins has been specializing in cruise ship injury cases for over 20 years, which is a practice unique to Miami, Florida because the major cruise lines are based here and require lawsuits for rape and sexual assault to be filed in here in federal court. Some of the cruise lines that are based in Miami, are Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian, Cruise Lines, and Celebrity cruises.

A Growing Problem: Statistics Paint a Grim Picture

Unfortunately, there is no central database that tracks sexual assaults and rapes on cruise ships throughout the world. However, there is some available data after the United States Congress passed the 2010 Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act pertaining US port based cruise ships and US v US victims that paint concerning picture of a growing problem.

According to FBI data, there were 131 reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in 2023 alone. This number is likely a significant underestimation, as many assaults go unreported due to fear, shame, and a lack of trust in cruise line authorities. The statistics that are now being compiled rely on self reporting by the cruise line to the United States Coast Guard or FBI. As you can imagine, this is not the most ideal collection system because you have to rely on the candor and accuracy of the cruise lines who have a financial interest in keeping this information out of the public realm.

Further complicating the issue is the international nature of cruise ship travel. Ships often sail under flags of convenience, registered in countries with lax regulations and limited oversight regarding passenger safety. For example, in a cruise ship rape case I handled involving a crew member raping a passenger, I was unable to work closely with the FBI to collect pertinent evidence relating to a parallel criminal investigation because my client was not from the United States. We got no help from the FBI because they did not have jurisdiction over on citizens according to the local Miami field office. Luckily, we use the foreign counterpart who did provide a little bit of assistance in our investigation, but even then they have a little jurisdiction when things occur in international waters and do not touch a US port. The cruise line, of course, was not helpful and was reluctant to provide details and first hand access to crew members.

Alarming Rise in Sexual Assaults on Cruise Ships: Statistics and Resources for Survivors (2023)

Unfortunately, reports of these crimes at sea have been on the rise in recent years leading to United States Congress to enact legislation to help improve reporting and put a little pressure on the cruise industry. When rape on a cruise happens, it’s usually not in US navigable waters but rather on the “high seas” or foreign ports. The cruise lines may not be as cooperative or empathetic to victims as our clients quickly learn. They may be handed over to Guest Services and risk management, pretending that they care or want to help, but in reality, they are going to protect the cruise line from financial liability. In some cases, we have seen amoral conduct on the part of the cruise lines.  Cruise lines are savvy and have lawyers involved from the start to prepare legal defenses to discredit or embarrass the victim well before the lawsuit is even filed.  Often times the cruise line will put the offending passenger or crew member off at the next port of call never be heard from again before investigating authorities may be able to make arrests or take statements.

Data Spotlight: Sexual Assaults on Cruise Ships (2022-2023)

Here’s a breakdown of reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in the United States from 2021 to 2023, compiled from various credible sources:

Key Observations:

• A significant increase is evident from 2022 to 2023, with a rise of 44 reported incidents.
• The 2023 figure represents a new high in reported sexual assaults on cruise ships in recent years.
• Data for 2021 is not readily available from a central source, but industry reports suggest a lower number compared to 2022 due to the simple fact Cruises were not running during the pandemic.

Additional Statistics:

• The FBI report for 2023 further breaks down the data, revealing:
  • 52 cases of sexual assault
  • 79 rapes [1]
• These numbers only reflect reported incidents. Experts suggest a significant underreporting of sexual assault crimes, particularly on cruise ships, due to factors like fear of retaliation, isolation at sea, and jurisdictional complexities.

Sources:

• [1] Fox News: Warning for cruise passengers as sexual assaults hit new high for 2023 sailings (https://www.foxnews.com/us/warning-cruise-passengers-sexual-assaults-hit-new-high-2023-sailings-fbi)
• [2] Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) (Reports do not disclose specific crime data) (https://cruising.org/)

What the Data Tells Us:

The rising trend of reported sexual assaults on cruise ships is deeply concerning. While the increase could partly reflect improved reporting mechanisms, it also suggests a potential growth in the actual number of incidents. This necessitates a multi-pronged approach, including enhanced security measures, improved passenger education, and robust support systems for survivors.

Uphill Battle: Obstacles Faced by Survivors

The aftermath of a sexual assault on a cruise ship can be incredibly traumatic for survivors. We have seen cases where the cruise line has tried to seize the cell phone and belongings of the victim and have delayed rape kits, drug testing, reporting to the authorities and providing essential sexually transmitted disease screening. They are often faced with a multitude of challenges, including:

Medical Attention: Access to immediate medical care and forensic evidence collection can be limited, especially if the assault occurs mid-ocean. Rape kits are not expensive and it should be mandatory that Medical Centers aboard cruise ships carry them. Also drug testing should be available because sometimes this occurrence of rape and sexual assault involve drugging unsuspecting victims. And while it may be a little too early certain screening for sexually transmitted disease should also be provided as well as prophylactic medication’s, including birth control.

Law Enforcement:  Reporting the assault to cruise line staff may not lead to a thorough investigation. Local authorities may not have jurisdiction, further delaying justice.

Evidence Preservation: The cruise line may not properly preserve evidence, hindering the ability to prosecute the perpetrator. We have seen this dozens of times with the cruise line, being more concerned with seizing evidence from the victim, and attempting to limit their communication with family and friends during the trip and even when they get home.

Emotional Trauma: Survivors often experience profound emotional distress, including fear, anxiety, and depression. They may also struggle with feelings of isolation and shame. It is highly recommended victims of sexual assault, see some type of psychological counseling, whether with a professional or clergy person. This also helps to document the emotional trauma for a civil lawsuitConsidering damages are typically all pain and suffering for which there is no exact formula.

Perkins Law Offices: If you have been sexually assaulted or raped on a cruise ship, you are not alone. Call us immediately no matter where you are.

If you are on a cruise ship right now and have just been the victim of a sexual assault or rape by a crew member or another guest, call us right now no matter what time it is.  Mr. Perkins or one of our attorneys will be able to speak to you privately and discreetly.  You can also reach us on the Internet by sending an online chat message or texting our office at 305-741-5297. We will guide on what to do while you are still onboard. We can also reach law enforcement stateside if that has not been done.

Perkins Law Offices understands the unique challenges faced by survivors and is dedicated to helping you navigate the various legal systems to obtain the justice you deserve.  Our trusted and experienced personal injury lawyers have a proven track record of success in holding cruise lines accountable for their failure to protect passengers. We will work tirelessly to:

Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with investigators to build a strong case. We will work hand-in-hand with law-enforcement to ensure the criminal aspect is also being pursued where available.

Fight for Compensation: You deserve compensation for your related medical expenses, lost wages, and most importantly, the immeasurable pain and suffering. We will aggressively negotiate with the cruise line or pursue litigation to secure the maximum compensation possible as discreetly as possible.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Cruise lines are powerful corporations with vast resources at their disposal. They often try to downplay the seriousness of sexual assaults and pressure victims to settle for inadequate compensation or worse blame the victims. We know their tactics and have successfully handled claims against all of the Florida based cruise lines for many years.

An experienced attorney can level the playing field and protect your rights. They will handle all legal matters, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Attorney

Don’t Suffer in Silence: Contact Perkins Law Offices Today