26 July, 2024
By: Julie Genet
As mariners, we often speak of the unbreakable bond between shipmates. But when sexual harassment or sexual assault (SASH) occurs aboard our vessels, that bond is put to the ultimate test. If you feel that a colleague is struggling with such an experience, or if they have confided in you, you might be wondering: “What can I do to help?”
First and foremost, if your shipmate shares their experience with you, congratulations: it means that they trust you with the most intimate and painful information on their life… In this case, the most powerful words you can say are: “I believe you.” These three simple words can make all the difference to someone who may be feeling isolated, scared, and unsure if they’ll be taken seriously. You can add “I will be here for you, you can count on my support”. Your belief and presence can be a lifeline in their darkest hour.
Remember, your role is to support, not to investigate or judge. Listen without questioning or doubting their story, or asking for unnecessary details. Let them share at their own pace and comfort level. Likewise, if there are reactions that you do not understand, like the fact that they remained seemingly friendly with their attacker afterwards, or if they were romantically interested in them beforehand, or any other element that doesn’t “fit” the stereotyped perpetrator-victim dynamic as you pictured it, keep it to yourself. Some psychological mechanisms of coping are very complex, and will only be understood by the victim themselves long after, especially if they had a history of SASH. If you express your lack of understanding, the victim might retreat into shame and silence… Instead, utter them: “It was not your fault”. “You are not responsible”. And: “your perpetrator should feel ashamed, not you. You are strong and I am here for you”.
If you are a man, and the victim is a woman, you might feel like it is difficult for you to do so, or that you are not the right person to provide this type of support, because maybe you were not 100% ethical with women or girlfriends in the past yourself. Please, this time of guilt should not prevent you from being an ethical man today. We all make mistakes, we learn from them, and we become better. This is your chance to show to yourself that you are an ethical man, now. Forgive yourself and understand that both men and women suffer from SASH and predatory atmospheres on ships. It’s about doing the right thing as a human being now, not about judging one’s past actions.
Then, it’s very important to see what they think are the best actions to ensure their immediate physical and psychological safety, and accompany them in implementing those. You can suggest some steps as well, as SASH victims can feel overwhelmed and confused -especially if their attacker is still close by-, but always by listening to them first. It is very hard to put oneself in the shoes of a victim who is still processing what happened, so, in order to suggest the best measures to take : you do need as many elements as possible on this complex situation they find themselves in.
You can also suggest, depending on when the assault took place, and its circumstances, that they consider getting medical care. On a ship, it’s not always possible, or desirable, given the fact that most victims prefer remaining anonymous after such an experience. However, if going to shore is at all possible, visiting a modern and clean nearby clinic or hospital might be useful. Emergency contraception, or HIV prophylaxis can be administered, and a general check-up done. Also, evidence can be collected, if pressing charges or going the legal route later on is at all considered. In this case, it is of utmost importance that the survivor asserts their need that the medical personnel is extremely gentle and understanding. Otherwise, any gynaecological check-up can be extremely re-traumatizing. They should absolutely ask for a copy of the medical report: it is evidence.
Being accompanied psychologically is also of the essence. Yachtcrew Help (psychologists specialized in maritime) provides free counselling for a few sessions to any shipmate who needs it. They are well trained on SASH, and their umbrella Organization, ISWAN, is very active on preventing SASH on ships all over the world, including via male-female allyship.
After advising your victimised colleague to themselves reach out for counselling, be aware of the emotional toll that this situation might take on you as well. Supporting someone through trauma can lead to secondary or vicarious trauma. It is crucial to take care of your own mental health too. Seek support for yourself, whether through counselling services or talking to trusted friends outside the situation.
After that, one of the most impactful things you can do is to be a witness. Your observations and willingness to corroborate your shipmate’s account can be invaluable if they choose to report the incident. Keep detailed records of any harassment or suspicious behavior you observe, including dates, times, and specific actions. Remember that without that: it’s their word against their attacker, most of the time. And in a maritime culture rife with enabling and covering-up attitudes from the top (The US Coast Guards is embroiled is SASH scandals, for instance), this doesn’t play in favour of the victim, usually, and this toxic culture endures.
If you witness harassment or assault firsthand, if you can (it is not the case on all ships, so watch out for your own professional, physical and psychological security as well) : don’t stay silent. Again, the maritime industry has long suffered from a culture of looking the other way and enabling predators, but change starts with each of us. “If you see something, say something”. This could mean directly intervening if, again, it’s safe for you to do so, reporting the incident to superiors, or documenting what you’ve witnessed to support your shipmate’s case.
On a broader level, advocate for change within your institution/company. Push for a zero-tolerance policy on sexual assault and sexual harassment, if one doesn’t already exist. Demand regular SASH trainings for all staff, ideally every six months, until there’s a noticeable shift in the onboard culture. Your voice as an ally can amplify the call for safer working conditions for everyone. Raise awareness and mobilise other colleagues so as to amplify these demands.
Encourage your shipmate to seek additional support (including legal, with specialized Law Firms like Maritime Legal Solutions) and resources. There are online communities specifically for maritime workers who have experienced sexual harassment or assault. Facebook groups like “Mariners for Safer Seas” and Instagram accounts dedicated to survivor support can provide a sense of community and valuable information. These platforms allow survivors to connect anonymously if they wish, which can be crucial for those needing utmost confidentiality as they are scared of retaliation or being exposed as a SASH victim.
The website Herstory is also a recommended resource, as it provides a wealth of information about how best to process and heal from such traumatising experiences.
Remember that healing is a journey, not a destination. Your shipmate may have good days and bad days. You might as well. Continue to check in with them, offer support, and remind them that they’re not alone. Sometimes, just knowing someone cares and believes them can make all the difference.
As maritime professionals, we pride ourselves on our ability to weather any storm. By standing together against sexual harassment and assault, we can create a safer industry for everyone. Your support as an ally and advocate is crucial in this ongoing battle. Together, we can ensure that the solidarity we feel at sea extends to protecting each other from harm, making our ships true havens of safety and respect for all who sail on them.
Useful contacts:
The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS): 1-877-595-5580
The Maritime Administration (MARAD): 1-877-731-3949
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): [Contact Information]
End Workplace abuse https://endworkplaceabuse.com/
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
ISWAN counselling Yachtcrew Help https://www.yachtcrewhelp.org/
Herstory – resource for SASH survivors https://herstory.global/