April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention efforts across society. While much of the focus often falls on land-based institutions, it's crucial to highlight the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by cruise ship crew members working far from home.

SAAM is observed through educational campaigns by seminars and workshops that focus on consent, intervention, and survivor support. On cruise ships, however, where thousands of crew members from various cultures live and work in close quarters, observing SAAM can be more complex, and even more necessary.

For many cruise ship crew members, life at sea means long hours, shared accommodations, and months away from their families. These conditions, combined with limited oversight and power imbalances, can create environments where sexual harassment or assault may go unreported or unresolved. Victims may fear retaliation, job loss, or disbelief, especially when their attacker holds a higher rank.

Despite some cruise lines offering training and HR reporting systems, and zero tolerance policy, crew members often feel isolated when seeking justice or support. Language barriers, cultural stigma, and the transient nature of cruise ship life only compound the issue.

Where Can Victims Turn?
If a crew member is sexually assaulted aboard a cruise ship, they can take the following steps:

1.    Report Immediately to Ship's Security or the Staff Captain – These officers are trained to handle such incidents and initiate formal investigations.

2.    Seek Medical Attention – Most ships have medical staff who can provide confidential care and collect evidence.

3.    Contact the Cruise Line’s Human Resources or Compliance Hotline – Many cruise lines have internal channels for anonymous reporting.

4.    Reach Out to Port Authorities or Law Enforcement – Once docked, victims may contact local authorities, especially if they feel unsafe or unsupported on board.

5.    Contact Maritime Lawyers – Legal support is often critical for justice. Maritime lawyers are dedicated to pursuing justice for victims of cruise ship rape and sexual assault. Survivors deserve justice, and they are there to help.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a reminder that all people regardless of where they live and work deserve safety, dignity, and the right to speak up without fear. For cruise ship companies, this means improving training, strengthening onboard support systems, ensuring transparency in investigations, and talking to the crew on regular basis.

At sea or ashore, survivors deserve to be heard and believed.