Facing the reality that a son or daughter has been sexually abused is something no parent should have to deal with. But when any young person suffers sexual abuse, those in the know need to do something about it.
The harsh reality is that there have been some unbelievably awful sports-related sex abuse scandals in recent years. Many involve top coaches of talented, highly promising young athletes. These are from high school students to Olympic champions as well as sports like gymnastics and swimming to fencing and football. All known cases were cover-ups by the various institutions and organizations involved.
High-profile cases include:
- Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky who sexually abused children for more than 15 years. In 2012 he was convicted of 45 counts of child sexual abuse and sentenced to between 30 and 60 years in prison.
- U.S. women’s gymnastics team doctor, Larry Nasser who allegedly sexually assaulted at least 265 young women and girls. Some victims, including Olympians, say he abused them hundreds of times. The sentence Nasser got resulted in an unimaginable number of years in prison. After getting 60 years for child pornography and tampering with evidence in 2018, he got another 40-175 years on sexual assault of minors.
The evidence is horrifying, but the facts show that if victims have the courage to come forward, it is possible to get justice. It does though mean that you will need to take legal action.
If you know about any type of youth sports sexual abuse get help from a firm of attorneys like Lemberg Law that has experience in the field.
How Does Athlete Sexual Abuse Happen?
Sexual abuse criminals target their victims. They coerce them by making promises to improve their prospects. They cross boundaries and ignore all the principles of human respect.
It can start slowly, with an expected hug, a tap on the bottom, special attention, maybe a massage, or gifts. Then, when there is trust, the sexual abuse begins. The evidence given by victims in the high-profile cases mentioned above says it all.
It’s also important for victims to realize that sexual abuse criminals like Sandusky and Nasser don’t only target famous athletes. Many of their victims were just highly talented. In many ways, this made it easier for the abusers who make their victims feel guilt, shame, and embarrassment.
Evidence in the Nassar case shows that some parents of minor victims were with them when the abuse happened. This means that victims can’t always rely on their family to report the abuse.
As lawyers, we appeal to victims to come forward. The team of attorneys at Lemberg Law can help you get justice against anyone who has abused or sexually assaulted you.
How the Law Protects Young Victims of Sports Sexual Abuse
In 2017, the U.S. Congress passed the Protecting Young Victims From Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act. It’s solid, but the courts can only enforce it if they have the evidence to prove the abuse.
The law requires that witnesses report any form of sexual abuse of children, minors, and amateur athletes as soon as possible after it happens. Anyone who suspects abuse can do this.
Victims are not obliged to report abuse, but they can sue for damages. This doesn’t need to be immediate. In some states, including Connecticut, there is no limitation for reporting child abuse if the victim is under the age of 18. There might also be a minimum age when the victim can file a claim. A youth sports sexual abuse attorney will know how a victim can do this successfully.
Youth Sports Abuse FAQs
Is there more sexual abuse in some youth sports than others?
Recent disclosures relate to football, gymnastics, fencing, figure skating, and swimming. But we know that it happens in most recognized sports including tennis, soccer, wrestling, basketball, baseball, hockey, and volleyball.
How do people like Larry Nasser get away with their youth sports sexual abuse crimes?
While Dr. Larry Nasser did get away with sexual abuse against athletes for many years, ultimately he didn’t get away with his crimes. He has been justly punished.
But it is true that he and others have escaped charges and conviction for many years. Court evidence shows that often, criminals had protection from others. It’s a complicated web of abuse that calls for legal action.
How Lemberg Law Can Help You
Our dedicated team of attorneys commits to ensuring that legal action is as painless as possible. We recognize the pain and suffering our clients and their families suffer and identify with this suffering.
We also know that it takes tremendous courage for victims of youth sports sexual abuse and their families to press charges.
Our lawyers are knowledgeable and compassionate and we’re here to advise you. Call for an obligation-free consultation. We hope we can help.
Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm with an excellent reputation for compassionate and aggressive lawyering
Lemberg Law has a reputation backed by 13 years of service and $50 million in recovery for 25,000 clients nationwide. We know personal injury law. You have rights, and you deserve the best representation available. All you need to do is send us your information for a free case evaluation, or call our Helpline today. We’re knowledgeable; we’re friendly; and we’re here to help. There is no charge unless we win.
