Sexual Assault on a Cruise Ship: Is Negligent Security to Blame?
Cruise ships should deliver a fun experience, but too many people are injured. Women in particular are at risk of sexual assault, often after drinking too much. No cruise ship can guarantee that you won’t be injured, but they certainly should not increase the risk to their passengers. Call Pita Weber Del Prado if you were assaulted on a cruise ship. We can discuss your right to bring a lawsuit for a sexual assault or for negligent security.
Startling Statistics: What Can Be Done?
From 2015 to 2022, there were 450 reported cases of sexual assault on cruise ships. This was the most common crime on ships. The numbers increased for 2023 over the numbers the year earlier.
The true number might be even higher. Many victims are afraid to come forward, perhaps fearing that people will discount their story. Others were drunk when the assault happened and fear they will be blamed for “letting” it happen.
There are some reasons for the high number of assaults. Many victims drink to excess and are vulnerable. Bartenders aboard the ship often rely solely on tips to get paid, so they have an incentive to overserve passengers, which increases the likelihood of intoxication.
Also, cruise ships are spaces where many people feel anonymous. People see each other for only a few days before going in different directions. Some people engage in riskier, even criminal, behavior because they don’t think they will get caught. Or if their crime is reported, they will be long gone by then.
The numbers are a wake-up call to the entire cruise industry. If you were attacked, then you should consider whether you have a legal right to seek compensation. A cruise ship must provide adequate security to their passengers. This means not exposing passengers to risks and protecting them from some obvious hazards. Cruise ships should provide secure cabins and promptly investigate any complaints of dangerous behavior from staff or other passengers.
Although federal law requires reporting assaults to the FBI, some ships try to cover up allegations of assault. That’s not surprising. The cruise ship might be partially responsible:
- Overserving a clearly intoxicated passenger who is later assaulted.
- Failing to respond to complaints about dangerous or predatory behavior.
- Negligently hiring staff who go on and abuse or assault passengers.
- Failing to install sufficient security cameras or fix broken locks on the doors.
A cruise ship could have partial liability for an attack. If their employee assaults you, then the cruise ship is fully on the hook for damages.
Being intoxicated is not a crime. And you are not responsible for any attack. Do not fail to report an assault due to embarrassment.
Speak with a Cruise Accident Lawyer at Our Office
From our location in Miami, Pita Weber Del Prado can step in and amplify the voices of our clients. If you were attacked on a cruise ship, reach out to our office for a compassionate consultation. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can discuss what happened in a private meeting.
Source:
theweek.com/health/sexual-assault-cruise-ships
