Unveiling the Reality: A West Virginia Woman’s Allegations of Sexual Assault on a Cruise Ship
A disturbing incident has come to light involving a West Virginia woman, Jane Doe, who brought forth a federal lawsuit against the Classica Cruise Line. The lawsuit alleges that a bartender, Hoobesh Dookhy, working on the Margaritaville at Sea cruise ship, entered her cabin in the middle of the night and committed a heinous act of rape, leaving her pregnant and ultimately leading to a forced abortion. Shockingly, this is the second accusation against the same bartender, as her cabin mate was also allegedly assaulted on the same night.
The lawsuit claims that Dookhy misused his position as a bartender to gain access to the women’s room while they were sleeping after they had charged beverages to their cabin number at the ship’s bar. The women later discovered that their room key was found in Dookhy’s possession, and a photo of one of the victims was found on his cell phone. The gravity of the situation is further emphasized as the lawsuit seeks a jury trial and $75,000 in damages for the sustained disability and the inability to lead an everyday life that Jane Doe has experienced.
This case sheds light on the prevalence of sexual assault on cruise ships, with the FBI reporting it as the most commonly reported crime on such vessels. The disturbing truth is that since 2015, 454 allegations of cruise ship sex crimes have been reported. However, experts believe the number could be much higher due to many unreported incidents.
In light of this, cruise lines must take steps to ensure the safety and well-being of their passengers. Implementing an alcohol and drug policy to inform passengers about behavioral risks, establishing a sexual harassment prevention policy, and setting up a system for the proper investigation and timely response to sexual assault allegations are some of the vital measures that must be put in place.
Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors. It is the most under-reported crime in America, and those who have endured such trauma may experience a range of mental and emotional challenges. Therefore, the accountability of cruise lines in setting and upholding standards that protect passengers and create a safer travel environment is crucial.
In conclusion, the case of sexual assault on cruise ships demands immediate attention from the industry. The impact on survivors is significant, and it is essential to implement preventative measures and take responsive actions when such crimes occur. Cruise lines’ responsibility in ensuring their passengers’ safety and well-being cannot be overstated.
Source:
- Hundreds Of Passengers Have Said They Were Sexually Assaulted On Cruise Ships. Their Stories Highlight Years Of Lax Security, Critics Say.. (n.d.) Retrieved January 4, 2024, from www.buzzfeednews.com
- The Probability of Sexual Assault on a Cruise. (n.d.) Retrieved January 4, 2024, from www.lipcon.com
- Maritime Survivors Speak — Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy. (n.d.) Retrieved January 4, 2024, from www.maritimelegalaid.com/blog
- Sexual Assault and Rape on a Cruise Ship. (n.d.) Retrieved January 4, 2024, from www.dolmanlaw.com/blog/cruise-ship-sexual-assault/
- Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Attorney | Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. (n.d.) Retrieved January 4, 2024, from www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com
