Cruise Ship Rape and Sexual Assault Attorney
Your Advocate for After a Sexual Assault on a Cruise Ship
With decades of experience litigating against cruise lines and a dedicated focus on rape and sexual assault cases, our legal team is committed to offering support, legal representation, and an unwavering pursuit of justice for victims, families, and crew members.
Holding Cruise Lines Accountable for Sexual Assault & Rape Cases
Our attorneys stand by survivors, families, and crew members every step of the way
At Scolaro Law, we understand that experiencing sexual assault or rape is a life-altering trauma—especially when it occurs in the isolated and complex environment of a cruise ship. Survivors of rape and sexual assault on cruise ships deserve a fierce advocate who will fight for justice. With decades of experience litigating against all major cruise lines, Scolaro Law is dedicated to protecting victims’ rights, providing compassionate support, and relentlessly pursuing the compensation and justice they deserve.
The Legal Landscape of Rape and Sex Crimes on Cruise Ships
Sexual assault and rape cases aboard cruise ships present unique legal challenges that require a clear and thorough understanding of maritime law, international jurisdiction, and federal statutes. Our attorneys at Scolaro Law have over 25 years of experience handling these complexities and the evolving legal standards governing such cases. Key considerations include:
- Maritime Law and Federal Jurisdiction
- Legal Precedents and Evolving Standards
- Statutory and Reporting Requirements
If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual assault or rape on a cruise ship, we are here to help. Our team offers a confidential, no-cost consultation to discuss your legal options and guide you through the process with care and discretion.
Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Cases Scolaro Law Handles
Scolaro Law’s team compassionately represents victims in a wide range of sexual assault and rape scenarios aboard cruise ships, including:
If you have been a victim of a sex crime on board a cruise ship, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a free & confidential consultation.
Passenger Raped by Crew Member
$1.5 Million
A female passenger was brutally assaulted by a crew member in her cabin. A crew member entered the stateroom using his staff key and attacked the young woman who was resting on her bed. The assault was interrupted when members of her travel group entered the cabin.
Hotel Sexual Assault
$1 Million
A young housekeeper was brutally raped while cleaning a hotel room in Key West, Florida. The assailant slept by the hotel pool after smoking crack and roamed the premises undetected for hours due to a lack of security. He entered the hotel room and violently assaulted Tom Scolaro’s client. The hotel’s failure to monitor the premises and ensure guest and employee safety was critical in the case.
Child Molestation
$2.3 Million
Three children were molested by a youth camp counselor at night. Securing the testimony of traumatized young children, along with unearthing the criminal past of the camp counselor, were key factors in securing a settlement for these clients.
Minor Child Molested at Resort
six-Figure Settlement
A 16-year-old was pulled into the backroom of the resort’s gym and was molested by a fitness instructor. The resort employee disappeared after the attack. The video evidence was crucial in leveraging a confidential settlement without filing a lawsuit.
Sexual Assault
$500,000
A woman was assaulted by her father’s boyfriend.
Assault during Massage
six-Figure Settlement
A woman receiving a massage was assaulted by the massage therapist who touched her inappropriately and who later begged her not to be reported to the police.
Legal Representation for All Types of Cruise Ship Injuries
Cruise Lines we Sue
We’ve taken on some of the biggest cruise lines to fight for justice. No matter their size or influence, we stand firm to secure the fair outcomes our clients deserve.
Duty Owed by Cruise Lines and Cruise Lines Liability
Passenger-on-Passenger Rape Cases:
Cruise lines owe passengers the duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances.” Victims must often show that the cruise line had—or should have had—notice of dangerous conditions, such as a history of red flag conduct or an environment created by excess alcohol service that facilitated the assault.
Crewmember-on-Passenger Rape Cases:
In these scenarios, the standard of care is even higher. Cruise lines are held strictly liable for the intentional torts committed by their employees, regardless of whether they had prior knowledge of the perpetrator’s propensity to commit a crime. This strict liability framework means that the mere occurrence of a non-consensual act is sufficient to establish the cruise line’s responsibility.
Common Defenses Raised by Cruise Lines
Over three decades, our legal team has observed several recurring factors that contribute to the high incidence of rape and sexual assaults aboard cruise ships. Cruise lines must be held accountable for unsafe environments, inadequate security measures, and failures in reporting, which allow these crimes to persist.
- False Sense of Security: Cruise advertisements and the perceived glamour of luxury liners can create an illusion of safety, leading passengers to lower their guard.
- Inadequate Security Measures: With no independent police force on board—only security personnel employed by the cruise line—there is an inherent risk of compromised investigations and insufficient crime prevention.
- Excessive Alcohol Service: Cruise lines often rely on alcohol sales as a revenue source, leading to environments where over-service becomes all too common, and vulnerability is increased.
- Underreporting and Prosecution Challenges: Many assaults go unreported due to the isolated nature of cruise ships, jurisdictional complexities, and fears of retribution, especially when incidents involve foreign crewmembers.
- Crewmember Incentives: The transient nature of crew employment and the potential for repatriation can embolden perpetrators who believe they will not face significant legal consequences.
Understanding Your Legal Rights On Board a Cruise Ship
What to Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted Aboard a Cruise Ship
Taking prompt and measured action is critical in the aftermath of a rape or sexual assault on board a cruise ship. Here are the steps we advise:
- Preserve Evidence: Avoid showering or washing your clothes until after a forensic examination has been completed. Preserve any clothing and personal items in a paper bag, not plastic.
- Report the Incident: Notify the ship’s Security Officer immediately. If possible, have someone accompany you and ensure the scene is secured until law enforcement arrives.
- Seek Medical Attention: Visit the ship’s infirmary for treatment and insist on a forensic examination to collect vital evidence.
- Contact Authorities: Call the FBI and/or the U.S. Coast Guard if you are still on board. (FBI in Washington, D.C. can be reached at 202-324-3000.)
- Gather Information: Document the names and contact details of everyone involved, including the perpetrator(s), security personnel, and witnesses.
- Consult Scolaro Law immediately: Do not sign any documents—such as non-disclosure agreements or liability waivers—without first consulting with Scolaro Law. We will guide you and share our wealth of experience in maritime and cruise ship litigation.
Our legal team provides unwavering support to survivors, their loved ones, and crew members throughout every stage of the legal process.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of rape or sexual assault on a cruise ship, you deserve justice and compassionate legal support.
25+ Years successfully Suing Cruise Lines
Why Referral Attorneys Choose Scolaro Law to Represent Their Clients
For referral attorneys, partnering with Scolaro Law means aligning with a firm that not only has extensive experience in maritime and sexual assault litigation but also a deep commitment to supporting survivors through every step of the legal process. Our collaboration offers:
Unique Experience
Our entire team has over 100 years of collective experience in handling cases against major cruise lines, ensuring that each referral’s client benefits from our comprehensive understanding of maritime law and the unique challenges of shipboard sexual assault litigation.
Transparent Communication
We provide regular updates and detailed case analyses, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes your clients’ best interests.
Proven Success
Our track record includes significant verdicts and settlements that reflect our dedication to achieving justice for victims.
Comprehensive Resources
From forensic specialists to medical experts and investigators, we work with the top experts to buttress our case-building efforts.
Ongoing Issues With Cruise Line Accountability
Cruise Lines’ Reporting Duty and Obligations for Sexual Assault and Rape Incidents
Cruise lines are legally required to report incidents of rape and sexual assault to the FBI under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA). This reporting is critical in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the safety of passengers and crew. However, the reported data raises significant concerns about the reliability and completeness of these reported figures.
Discrepancies in Reported Numbers
Since 2010, major cruise lines have reported just 670 rapes and sexual assaults—a starkly implausible figure given that their ships have carried 440 million passengers and employed 120 million crew members. In 2024 alone, despite 35.7 million passengers sailing, only 65 incidents were reported to the FBI. Compared to onshore data, where Florida reported 6,755 forcible rapes among 22.6 million residents, the cruise industry’s rate is disproportionately low, raising serious concerns about transparency and systemic underreporting.
Underreporting and Its Impact on Passenger Safety and Perception
The significant discrepancies between expected and reported figures suggest that many incidents have not been disclosed. Comprehensive disclosure of all incidents is a legal obligation and a moral imperative, ensuring potential passengers are fully informed about the risks involved. Only through accurate reporting can we drive meaningful changes in security protocols and support the ongoing efforts of victims seeking justice. At Scolaro Law, we witness these challenges in litigation and work tirelessly to hold cruise lines accountable for lapses in safety and transparency.
Preservation of a Safety Image
Cruise lines invest heavily in marketing campaigns emphasizing a luxurious, secure, and enjoyable travel experience. Incomplete reporting of sexual assault and rape incidents may be used, intentionally or unintentionally, to maintain an image of safety that is attractive to potential passengers. This selective disclosure masks underlying security vulnerabilities Scolaro Law uncovers in every case.
Implications for Accountability
Accurate and transparent reporting is essential for holding cruise lines accountable for the safety of their passengers and crew. Without reliable data, it becomes challenging to assess the true extent of the problem, implement effective preventative measures, and ensure that victims receive the justice they deserve.
Challenges for Victims and Legal Advocates
Underreported figures hinder the efforts of legal professionals working on behalf of victims. When incident numbers appear deceptively low, it may diminish the perceived severity of the issue, potentially influencing policy decisions, resource allocation, and the support systems available to those affected.
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Contact Scolaro Law Today
Our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to holding cruise lines accountable and fighting for your deserved compensation. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
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