Recent data shows a disturbing increase in reports of sexual assaults on planes, with 62 cases already reported this year, surpassing last year’s count of 90 cases. Law enforcement officials across the country expect this number to continue rising.
In the Western District of Washington, legal action has been taken against four men who are facing charges for sexual assault of either a teen girl or young woman while on flights bound for Seattle.
During a news conference, Toshiko Hasegawa, a Port of Seattle commissioner, expressed concern over the occurrence of such brazen and perverted behavior in public settings like aircraft. She emphasized the need to put a stop to these incidents.
Officials have advised individuals to promptly report assaults and for bystanders to report any suspicious or unusual behavior. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of sexual assault cases reported on aircraft, indicating a rising trend.
Hasegawa urged victims to share their experiences with authorities, acknowledging the difficulty in coming forward, but highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for the sake of safer travel for everyone.
Richard Collodi, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, revealed during the news conference that multiple additional cases were under investigation by the FBI and other agencies. However, he did not disclose the exact number.
Collodi explained that crimes typically investigated at the state level, such as sexual assault, become federal crimes on aircraft and cruise ships due to the FBI’s jurisdiction.
Collodi also shared that most sexual assault crimes occur while individuals are asleep, emphasizing the vulnerability of victims in such close quarters.
While there are laws in place that require reporting criminal activity to the FBI on cruise ships, similar legislation is missing for incidents that occur on aircraft.
Tessa M. Gorman, acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington, pointed out that the increase in reported cases is likely due to a rise in reporting, rather than a sudden surge in incidents. She expressed hope that with greater awareness and successful prosecution, these cases would be reduced.
Gorman highlighted the fact that perpetrators often exploit the close quarters of aircraft and target young people. Recent sexual assault cases have revealed alarming patterns, such as perpetrators positioning themselves too closely to potential victims and targeting individuals who are sleeping.
To ensure the safety of young children flying alone, Gorman advised parents to book aisle seats where their child can be easily seen by crew members. It is also crucial to have open conversations with children about what to do in such situations.
Officials provided several tips for travelers:
* Report any incidents of sexual misconduct, including unwanted touching, indecent exposure, and up-skirt photo-taking.
* If you feel uncomfortable or find yourself in a dangerous situation, do not hesitate to leave your seat and report the issue to a flight attendant.
* Stay observant of your surroundings and remain alert.
* Limit the use of sleep aids to maintain a certain level of wakefulness, enabling you to respond to any misconduct.
* Keep the armrest down as a personal boundary.
* Do not assume that nonsexual touching is innocent, especially if it occurs repeatedly. Inform a flight attendant and request a seat change.
* Draw attention to any suspicious activity.
* Request to sit with family members, especially if young children are seated alone or away from their parents.
* Designate any child under the age of 14 traveling alone as an unaccompanied minor to ensure they receive extra care and attention from the crew.
* Educate family members, particularly children aged 14 to 17, about these safety tips.
Mary Ellen Stone, CEO of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, highlighted that young people, particularly those between the ages of 16 and 19, face the highest risk of sexual assault. However, they are also the least likely to speak up out of fear of escalation or self-blame.
Stone emphasized that survivors should not be held responsible for the actions of perpetrators, emphasizing that there is no right way to respond to an assault on an airplane.
The center provides a guide that emphasizes the importance of believing, affirming, and supporting survivors while avoiding victim-blaming questions. In the event of someone disclosing a sexual assault, the guide suggests following the survivor’s lead and providing them with resources and support.
Stone emphasized the role of bystanders, stating that they have the opportunity to intervene and ensure the well-being of sexual assault victims and survivors. Turning a blind eye is not an option, and assistance is always available through the center’s 24-hour resource line.
In 2018, the FBI investigated 27 cases of sexual assault on aircraft. By 2022, the number of reported cases had more than tripled to 90.
Among the four men facing federal charges related to sexual assault on flights bound for Seattle, Jack Roberson is charged with abusive sexual contact involving a 15-year-old girl. James Benecke faces charges of abusive sexual contact involving a 16-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman on separate flights. Duane Brick is charged with abusive sexual contact involving a sleeping woman during a flight. Munir Walji is charged with sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact on special aircraft jurisdiction involving a 15-year-old girl.
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