Jacksonville, Florida – Sexual assault survivors are calling on cruise lines to do more to protect their customers, as new federal data shows sexual assaults on cruise ships increased in 2023.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reported more than 100 sexual crimes committed on ships embarking and disembarking in the United States.
In February 2006, Laurie Dishman said her life changed forever after she and her best friend Michelle booked a cruise from California to Mexico.
“We got on the boat and we didn't know what to expect. We just thought we were going to have a good time,” Dishman said.
The fun didn't last until the second night.
That's when Lowry told a cruise ship security guard that she had been raped in her cabin.
“I had her knock on the door, and I thought it was Michelle, so I tried to open the door, but there was no keyhole, no latch, so I had no way of seeing who it was. When I opened the door, I still remember… I see a light and he forces his way into the room on top of me and puts his hands on my throat and strangles me,” Dishman said.
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According to Department of Transportation data, there were 131 sex crimes reported to the FBI in 2023, including 52 sexual assaults and 79 rapes.
This represents an increase of 87 sexual assault reports since 2022 and 101 since 2019.
Dishman joined the International Cruise Victims Association, a nonprofit advocacy group, in calling on cruise lines to do more to protect their customers.
“My hope for the cruise industry is to show that it cares about people first and foremost and is more than just a number,” Dishman said.
Adam Finkle is another lawyer who works for the International Crime Victims Association and is calling for change.
“No one wants someone to go on vacation and come back traumatized. They need to prepare what they know and anticipate what will happen. Sometimes we “We're not talking about sexual assaults that happen. When you're talking about sexual assaults that are reported so frequently, cruise lines are recognizing that this is a growing problem,” Finkle said. Ta.
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