We entrust our coaches and athletic organizations to instill good habits and a sense of pride in our children. Athletic coaches and trainers occupy a position of authority over our kids and they command the respect and admiration of our families. Sadly, some coaches abuse their role and take advantage of children. To make matters worse, the sex abuse often goes undiscovered by parents because the coach is adept at grooming the child and convincing the child that being a “team player” and keeping silent is the right thing to do.

As such, many children are afraid to tell their parents about the sex abuse and they carry the secret into adulthood. This psychological trauma can have devastating effects that lead to issues such as depression, substance abuse, adult sexual dysfunction and the inability to form lasting relationships. Sex abuse in youth sports is, unfortunately, not uncommon in California. Although the there are many great coaches who have a positive influence on our children, there are also sexual predators who seek out these roles specifically for the purpose of sexually abusing children.

SIGNS OF ABUSE

As a parent, it is important to recognize potential predators. Warning signs include the following:

• Special attention given to your child as opposed to other teammates
• Signs of separation of your child from you, the child’s friends, other athletes and other authority figures
• Gifts given exclusively to your child and not other members of the team
• Secretive meetings and encounters between your child and the coach
• Sudden hesitance to engage in after-school activities or quitting of a team
• Sudden interest in sexual activity that is not appropriate for the child’s age
• Changes in academic performance, appetite, sleep habits or behavior such as aggression or depression

HOLDING EVERYONE RESPONSIBLE

Whether the coach is an employee of a school or an athletic facility, the organization may be held responsible for failing to properly protect your child. They may also be responsible for failing to report the sexual abuse, or for covering it up and failing to inform you.

At Craig Charles Law we pursue every avenue of justice to obtain maximum compensation for victims of sports sex abuse in California.

TIMELINE TO BRING A LAWSUIT IN CALIFORNIA

As with most cases of child sexual abuse, it often takes years for the victim to come to terms with the abuse. As such, sexually abused people often do not report the incident until years after the sex abuse occurs. Fortunately, California law recognizes the fact that victim reporting is often delayed and new laws allow sex abuse victims to file claims well into adulthood. ASSEMBLY BILL 218 was signed into law, giving sex abuse victims until the age of 40, or within 5 years of discovering the sex abuse. Even if the sex abuse is discovered past the age of 40, victims may have an additional 5 years to bring a claim. Craig Charles Law urges all sex abuse victims of sports sex abuse to give us a call, no matter how many years have passed since the sex abuse.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED CALIFORNIA SEX ABUSE ATTORNEY

If your child, or the child of someone you know has been sexually abused by a coach, a trainer, or any employee of an athletic organization in California, it is important to contact a sex abuse lawyer who understands the complexities of sex abuse litigation. It is important to hire a sex abuse attorney who will fight aggressively against the wrongdoers to obtain justice and compensation. Sex abuse victims who are now adults, or parents of underage children should call Craig Charles Law immediately for a completely confidential, no cost, no obligation consult today at 424-343-0660.

Craig Charles Law is devoted to advocating for victims of sex abuse in California. We take great pride in bringing closure to traumatic events and giving sex abuse victims a new lease on life. We are a gay friendly, LGBTQIA affirming law practice. By placing your trust in us, we will help you every step of the way!