Childhood sexual assault affects hundreds of thousands of children around the world. While sexual abuse can happen in virtually any environment, some are more conducive to assault than others.
Unfortunately, sexual molestation in youth sports activities is rampant and offers a place where adults often have unsupervised alone time with children. Protecting young victims from sexual abuse in sports programs and youth sports organizations/leagues has been ineffective for many children.
Was your loved one abused in a youth games program? If so, the sexual abuse attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you file a claim to receive compensation for your family’s pain and suffering.
Contact our youth sports sexual abuse attorneys at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) for a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your case.
A Sports League Sexual Abuse Injury Attorney Can Help
If someone involved in an organized sport sexually abused you as a minor, or if you believe a coach is now sexually assaulting your child, contact the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC immediately.
We offer a free case evaluation to protect your rights. You might be eligible for compensation from the perpetrator or another party.
The Prevalence of Youth Sports Sexual Abuse
The case against Dr. Larry Nassar [1], a former Olympic USA Gymnastics doctor convicted of sexual abuse against young gymnasts, brought new attention to the problem of sexual violence in child-related sports.
The USA Gymnastics team doctor at Michigan State University has been sexually abusing his victims. The issue, however, is far from new. Reports focusing on USA Gymnastics, USA Swimming, fencing, and figure skating have led to criminal cases.
Studies show two to eight percent of child athletes are victims of sexual predators in organized sports. The youth athletic environment can cultivate many opportunities for sexual misconduct against young victims instead of turning a blind eye to possible sexual abuse cases.
Sexually Abused by Coaches, Teachers, and Mentors
Coaches or supervisors grooming the child are among the most common signs leading up to sexual violence in child sports organizations. Grooming behaviors include showing preference to or giving special treatment to one athlete over the others, often to gain the athlete’s trust.
Some high-risk locations in organized sporting environments for sexual abuse include locker rooms and trips that involve overnight travel. One-on-one training or rehabilitation sessions are also common locations for sexual violence that harm victims.
In about ninety-eight percent of sexual violence cases in organized sports for youth, the perpetrator is the victim’s coach, instructor, or teacher. Females are more common young victims of sexual abuse than males.
Young athletes at an elite level within their sport are statistically more likely to experience sexual violence or abuse than lower-level athletes. The type of sport, however, does not impact a child’s risk for sexual violence.
Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Many children do not come forward about sexual violence in a sports environment on their own. Reporting a problem often takes a parent or guardian to notice possible signs of sexual abuse or assault.
If you have a child enrolled in organized sporting activities at school, church, or elsewhere, look for these red flags:
- Victims do not want to be alone with specific coaches or staff members
- Suddenly expressing disinterest in favorite activities
- Unusual knowledge of sexual activities
- Regression, such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting
- Depression or anxiety
- Victims displaying signs of trauma to the genitals, such as bruising or bleeding
- Nightmares or trouble sleeping
- Excessively fearful victims
You might also notice signs of sexual violence in the perpetrator’s behavior.
Is a sports coach giving your child gifts without an occasion, does not respect your child’s boundaries, trying to be an essential part of your child’s life, expresses an unusual interest in physical development, or has age-inappropriate relationships?
These behaviors could be signs of sexual misconduct. As soon as you notice something wrong, contact law enforcement.
How to Handle Childhood Sexual Abuse by a Coach or Other Official
First, speak to your child. Look for clues that they want to say something but cannot, such as dropping hints about talking about a specific coach or teacher. Let your child know you are listening and not fear retaliation. Believe what your child says.
Fear of not being believed is one of the main reasons that children stay quiet about sexual violence. Express to your child that they are not to blame.
Then, report your suspicions to a local Illinois agency. Calling a hotline phone number such as (800) 656-HOPE, for example, can connect you with resources that can help, such as mental health counseling for your child. In many jurisdictions, knowledge of sexual abuse requires mandatory reporting.
In the meantime, keep your child out of organized sports and away from the alleged perpetrator. Speak to someone with the training to help you through this difficult time.
Sexual Violence Cases Involving Organized Youth Sports
Sexual violence is prevalent in every state; Illinois is no exception. In 2018, a committee in the Illinois Senate listened to testimony against a volleyball coach in Aurora who alleged he assaulted women when minors in the 1980s. Five women in total filed a lawsuit against their high school volleyball coach, Rick Butler, for ongoing sexual violence, assault, and rape.
Other child sports leagues with reported sexual violence include soccer leagues, wrestling teams, swimming and diving teams, and baseball teams.
More than twenty years ago, the women came forward but could not file their lawsuits because of the statutes of limitations. Under new Illinois regulations that increased the age of consent, the victims could finally come forward and seek justice.
Sexual misconduct is a widespread issue in child sports activities that lawmakers need to address.
Sports League Sexual Assault FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions raised by people who have been abused or assaulted in a youth sports setting. We appreciate the sensitive nature of these cases and understand your feelings of concern, anger, and fear.
Contact our law firm for a free consultation of your legal rights and options with an experienced youth sports sexual abuse attorney.
Contact a Youth Sports Sexual Abuse Attorney to File and Resolve a Compensation Claim
Sexual abuse in youth organized sports can devastate a child physically, mentally, and emotionally. It could take years for you or your child to heal.
A youth sports sexual abuse attorney can help you hold the abuser accountable. A lawyer can help you seek justice, take legal action, and file a civil lawsuit against a sports coach, school, or another party.
Contact our dedicated attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) or through the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All discussions with our legal team remain confidential through an attorney-client relationship.
Resources: [1] The WashingtonPost, [2] GovInfo.gov
