Coach Sexual Abuse

COACH SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUIT

According to the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault (also known as “sexual abuse”) is defined as “any nonconsensual sexual act proscribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.”

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and a child is the victim of a sexual assault every 9 minutes. Unfortunately, only 25 out of 1,000 sex perpetrators will be convicted of a sex crime and will be sent to prison. For this reason, many sexual abuse victims turn to Parker Waichman LLP for legal justice.

If you or a loved one have been victimized by a sports coach, or anyone associated with a sports organization, call Parker Waichman LLP for a free, confidential consultation. You will speak with a caring and compassionate sex abuse attorney who will answer your questions and help you fight for full financial compensation.  To receive a free legal consultation with one of our caring attorneys, simply call 800-968-7529 today.

Due to new changes to the statutes of limitations, particularly in New York, thousands of coach sexual abuse lawsuits are expected to be filed against sports teams, coaches, team owners, and sports organizations. This is critical since victims often need several years to be able to face the sexual abuse they suffered, while other victims have remained silent out of shame, fear, or as a way to protect themselves. Our compassionate and caring attorneys know how difficult it is to face their perpetrators and pursue their sexual abuse cases. However, you and your family can rest assured knowing that we are here to support and help you every step of the way.

WHAT IS THE NEW YORK CHILD VICTIMS ACT OF 2019?

The New York State Child Victims Act is a law that is designed to protect the legal rights of child sex abuse victims. The law permits sex abuse victims to file lawsuits against their abusers many years after the sexual abuse took place. On  February 14, 2019, the New York Child Victims Act was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The most substantive change under the New York Child Victims Act is the extension of New York’s statute of limitations for victims to file their sex abuse lawsuits. Previously, child sex abuse survivors only had until the age of 23 to press criminal charges or to file their civil lawsuit against their abusers. Now, sexual abuse victims have until they are 55 years old to file their civil suit and have until they turn 28 years old to press criminal charges.

The Child Victims Act also gives victims a one-year “look-back” period. This means, any adult victim of childhood sexual abuse whose time to file a civil lawsuit has expired now has more time to
file their lawsuit. This period started on August 14, 2019.

SPORTS SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE NEWS

On October 3, 2022, an investigation discovered that N.W.S.L. owners, U.S. Soccer executives, and coaches at all levels of United States soccer failed to take action following persistent and voluminous reports of player sexual abuse by their coaches. The report claims that the leagues were more worried about coaches filing lawsuits and their finances than player welfare. This created an environment of abusive and predatory coaches who moved freely from team to team. The NYtimes.com reported that about half of U.S. women’s soccer coaches were linked to allegations of abuse and mistreatment.

One of the incidents reported accuses one coach of inviting a player to his home for what game film analysis. However, the coach allegedly showed the player pornography and he began to perform sexual acts in front of the victim. On another occasion, the report alleges, the coach groped a female player’s breast and genitals during game film. An investigative report found that the coach “leveraged his position” as the head coach to pressure at least three female soccer players into sexual relationships.

The report also alleges that that investigators received “credible reports of sexual misconduct with other players.” For example, one youth soccer coach, created a “sexualized team environment” that included “talking to youth soccer players about their sex lives.” The report states that the sexualized team environment “crossed the line to sexual relationships” in several cases. That coach has also been accused of joking with the children about the age of consent for sexual activity.

Our trial attorneys have helped sexual abuse victims recover millions in New York, New Jersey, and throughout the United States. The extension of the statute of limitations is limited, so do not wait to discuss your case with our sex abuse lawyers. We provide free case evaluations with no obligation, and you’ll pay nothing for our services unless we recover compensation for you.  Contact Parker Waichman LLP online or by calling 800-968-7529 today to speak with us about your potential case and the economic compensation to which you or your loved one may be entitled.