Being sexually assaulted on a cruise ship is a traumatic experience that becomes even more difficult when the ship is still at sea and won’t reach port for several days. A lawyer, like a cruise ship sexual assault lawyer, In this situation, victims may feel isolated, powerless, or unsure of what steps to take. Knowing what to do in those critical moments can help protect your health, your rights, and any legal claims you may choose to pursue later.
Prioritize Your Safety And Medical Needs
If you have been assaulted, your first priority is your physical safety. If you are able, get to a secure area away from the attacker. Find a place where you can stay with people you trust or staff you feel comfortable with. On most cruise ships, there is an onboard medical facility. Visit the medical team as soon as possible to request an examination and ask about options for medical care, including emergency contraception and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
It’s important to know that you have the right to refuse or accept any part of the care offered. If you are uncomfortable with any staff or feel unsafe reporting to the ship’s crew, document your concerns for future reference.
Ask For A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam
Some cruise ships have limited capacity to perform forensic exams, also known as rape kits. If such an exam is available, request it and try to avoid showering or changing clothes until after it is done. This step can be critical if you later decide to report the assault or take legal action. If the ship’s staff cannot perform the exam or declines to do so, ask them to document that in writing.
Even if evidence collection cannot be completed on board, it is still valuable to write down what happened while it is fresh in your mind. Include details like the time, location, and description of the person who assaulted you. Save any text messages, photos, or other communication that might be relevant.
Report The Incident To The Ship’s Security Or Authorities
You have the right to report the assault to ship security. Ask for a copy of the report and take notes on who you spoke with. The cruise line may be obligated to contact the FBI or other law enforcement, depending on the ship’s location and the victim’s nationality. You can also request to speak to law enforcement directly once the ship docks. While it’s understandable that someone may not feel ready to report the incident immediately, documenting what happened and seeking medical care can still preserve important evidence.
Preserve Any Evidence You Can
Keep any clothing worn during the assault in a paper bag if possible. Do not wash or discard anything you think might be used as evidence. Take photos of any visible injuries. Even if you don’t know whether you want to file a claim or press charges, preserving these items now keeps the door open to those options in the future.
Reach Out For Support On And Off The Ship
Cruise lines may offer access to onboard counselors or mental health staff, though their qualifications and independence may vary. Some passengers prefer to wait until they are back on land to contact a trusted therapist or crisis counselor. When the ship docks, you may want to reach out to a sexual assault advocacy organization in your home state or city. These groups can help connect you to local services, including counseling, housing, or legal support.
Take Legal Steps Once You Are Back On Land
Once you are back in the U.S. or your home country, consider speaking with an attorney who has experience with cruise ship injury or assault claims. The legal process for cruise-related incidents can be different from land-based cases due to maritime law and the cruise line’s contract terms. Prompt legal advice can help clarify your rights and the next steps, and it is important to speak with a lawyer instead of attempting to self-represent.
Being assaulted at sea is a terrifying and isolating experience. But even when you’re far from shore, you still have rights. Attorneys like those at Deitch + Rogers can attest that these early steps often matter later in any civil or criminal proceedings. You are not alone, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and pursue justice.