What To Do After Cruise Line Sexual Assault

Hundreds of people travel to South Florida every year to embark upon trips to tropical destinations on cruise ships. As fun as cruises can be, there are also dangers that you need to be aware of, one of the most serious being sexual assault. Did you know that in 2019, there were 101 sexual assault allegations made on cruise ships embarking and disembarking in the U.S.? Cruise Line Sexual Assault statistics are alarming.

In this article we’ll explain the steps you should take if you’re sexually assaulted on a cruise line. We know how scary, difficult, and traumatic it can be to experience something like this, and we’re here to help.

Try To Get As Much Detail As Possible When It Happens

Write down as much information as you can after the incident occurs. The date, the time, the place, identifying information about the person who assaulted you, and any words that were said. Your body’s shock response might kick in after the assault, and we encourage you to seek medical treatment and report the incident as soon as possible. Cruise ships have medical personnel on board, or you can go to the nearest hospital if you’re at a port. Avoid changing clothes or showering until you’ve been seen by a medical professional.

Have Your Facts Straight

When you go through a traumatic experience, your memories and recollection can sometimes become skewed. That’s why we recommend writing down every detail you can remember after the assault occurs, and if you aren’t able to recall certain pieces of information, it’s okay. Give yourself some time to process what has happened to you and don’t put too much pressure on yourself if you can’t remember things. Bits and pieces of information may come back to you in the coming days.

Report As Soon As Possible

Report the sexual assault to your cruise ship’s medical personnel as soon as possible. For your safety and the safety of other passengers on board, they need to know what has happened and who is responsible for the assault. Sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes on cruise lines because people feel guilty and ashamed, but it’s not your fault. Reporting the incident as soon as possible will benefit you if you decide to take legal action.

Staying Safe On A Cruise Ship

Anyone who has been on a cruise ship knows how large they are, and there are plenty of isolated areas where attacks can occur. We recommend you avoid poorly-lit, isolated areas when you’re by yourself, always walk around the ship in groups of at least two people, be vigilant if you’re drinking – don’t drink too much and don’t leave your drink unattended – and don’t accept invitations back to strangers’ cabins.

Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer

Prosecuting cruise line sexual assault can be complex due to where the ship was at the time of the attack. If you’ve been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, you need a team of experienced legal professionals who can help you navigate this often-murky situation. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone while you are trying to heal and recover from what’s happened.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted on a cruise line and want to pursue legal action, please contact our team at Mausner Graham Inujury Law today. Our team is standing by and ready to help you.