Rape and sexual assault: Incidents like these are extremely unfortunate, though frankly, they occur all to often aboard cruise ships.
The number of sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape claims on cruise ships – by crew members or by other passengers – is much higher and more common than most people think.
This is specially important to consider if you are traveling with teenage children who may be out of your sight while on the cruise. Their personal safety and care is up to you and 
potential incidents are largely avoidable as long as precautions are taken. Women traveling alone should also be aware of potential assault hazards.
**Note: Cruise ships are relatively safe – however – if opportunity arises for predators, they may act on them.
Our cruise injury law firm deals with sexual assault and rape cases.
Claims against the cruise lines, crew or other passengers are common enough and the impact on the person assaulted can be devastating. We’ve found that victims need help answering the legal questions involved with these incidents.
Quite often, these cases are covered up by the cruise line, their crew and their attorneys. Claims are marginalized. Victims are ashamed, embarassed, afraid and unsure of what actions to take. We don’t let that happen.
Our clients often ask us:
- How could the cruise line let this happen?
- Was I at fault somehow – did I cause this?
- Can I sue for sexual harassment, assault or rape?
- What do I need to do if I’ve been assaulted?
- What are my rights?
- What recourse do I have against this person or these people?
One recent incident occurred on a Carnival Cruise ship in August. The guilty party received their verdict and sentencing this week – see story below.
Rape on Carnival Sensation
Carnival Cruise Ship Passenger Sentenced on Rape Charges
As carried on CruiseCritic.com, “a 31-year-old male passenger on Carnival Sensation was arrested Monday on a federal sex charge one day after allegedly participating in a gang rape of a 15-year-old female passenger. Four others, boys under the age of 18, are accused of participating, though none have been arrested.
The details, according to a criminal complaint filed by the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office, are as follows: Casey Dickerson invited the victim, her 15-year-old female friend and four teenage boys back to his cabin, where he supplied them with liquor. Dickerson and the boys allegedly took turns assaulting the victim, while her friend was locked in the bathroom.
Carnival released a statement Wednesday saying that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement officials and that upon learning of the incident Carnival officials “immediately contacted all appropriate authorities, including the FBI.”
If you need more information about hiring an attorney who specializes in working against the cruise industry lawyers – please contact Waks and Barnett at (800) 905-2891.
We have 25 years of experience dealing with cruise ship assaults, harassment and rape claims and we take them extremely seriously.
