Understanding Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships
Experienced cruise ship sexual assault attorneys recognize that sexual assault and rape are among the most prevalent crimes on cruise ships. Unfortunately, many of these incidents go unreported due to various factors, including the cruise lines’ handling and classification of such crimes. The reality is that sexual violence occurs at a higher rate than the cruise industry often acknowledges.
Why Sexual Assaults Go Unreported
Statistics suggest that only about 34% of sexual assaults are reported to authorities in the general population. On cruise ships, this number is likely even lower due to unique challenges, such as:
- Fear of retaliation
- Belief that the incident is a personal matter
- Perception that the crime is not significant enough to report
- Lack of trust in the cruise line’s security or reporting process
Cruise ships operate like small, self-contained cities with limited law enforcement presence. While security teams are onboard, they are employed by the cruise line, which may prioritize its reputation over thorough reporting. For this reason, victims are strongly advised to report incidents directly to the FBI, rather than relying on the cruise line to do so.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA)
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 mandates that cruise lines operating in or out of the U.S. report certain crimes to the FBI. These reports, published quarterly by the Department of Transportation, cover crimes such as:
- Homicide
- Suspicious death
- Missing U.S. national
- Kidnapping
- Assault with serious bodily injury
- Sexual assault
- Theft over $10,000
Participating cruise lines include Carnival, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and others. Access these reports here. Sexual assault consistently appears as the most reported crime, with nearly one-third of victims being minors.
Limitations of CVSSA Reports
While the CVSSA provides some transparency, its reports have significant gaps. For example:
- Only assaults with serious bodily injury are reported
- Thefts under $10,000 are excluded
- Behaviors like groping, stalking, or sexual harassment may not be classified as sexual assault by cruise lines
Cruise lines determine what qualifies as a reportable sexual assault, which can lead to underreporting. This lack of standardized definitions and oversight raises concerns about the accuracy of these reports.
Legal Support for Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Victims
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual assault or rape on a cruise ship, our experienced cruise ship sexual assault attorneys are here to help. We understand the complexities of pursuing justice in these cases and are committed to holding cruise lines accountable. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation at (800) 499-0551. Let us fight for your rights and support you through this challenging time.
