Sports play an important role in American society, especially at the youth and college levels. Typically, coaches are respected individuals who spend a tremendous amount of time with the student-athletes on their teams. Many coaches honor the respect and authority they are granted and never violate the trust of the student-athletes and their parents. Others, unfortunately, take advantage of their positions to molest or sexually abuse student-athletes. If you or your child have suffered such abuse, a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer may be able to help you pursue justice. For more information contact our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
What Are Signs of Coach Sexual Abuse in Children?
Some predatory coaches can be extremely skilled at manipulating student-athletes and their parents into trusting them before proceeding to violate that trust. It can sometimes be difficult to determine whether coach sexual abuse has occurred, especially if the coach coerces student-athletes into remaining silent. However, there are often warning signs that something may be amiss.
Parents and guardians should keep an eye out for the following potential danger signs:
- A coach gives one athlete special attention when compared to teammates.
- The coach often separates one athlete from their parents, other children or athletes, and other coaches or teachers.
- The coach schedules secret meetings with just one athlete.
- A coach gives special gifts to one athlete but not to other teammates.
- A child suddenly quits a team about which they were formerly enthusiastic or shows uncharacteristic hesitation to participate.
- A student-athlete shows sudden changes in their academic performance, appetite, behavior, or sleep habits.
- The child displays signs of depression or anxiety, especially in relation to the sports activity or coach.
In the event you suspect your child has suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of a coach, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the coach and/or school to hold them accountable. This could help prevent further abuse from happening to other students, and you could obtain monetary compensation to help your child deal with the aftermath of this traumatic experience. If you believe your child is experiencing sexual harassment, contact our Los Angeles coach sexual abuse lawyer for help.
What Roles Do Schools Play in Coach Sexual Abuse?
Schools carry a responsibility to keep their students safe and should properly vet all teachers and coaches who may come into contact with children. They must also vigorously and appropriately investigate any claims of a teacher or coach sexual abuse and properly report claims to the relevant authorities.
Tragically, some schools fail to report such claims. Even worse, some schools try to cover up any wrongdoing on the part of certain teachers or coaches. When a school fails to take the appropriate steps in vetting a coach, or after claims of coach sexual abuse arise, affected students and/or their parents may be able to take civil action to hold the school responsible. It is possible to seek justice against both the individual coaches and the school districts that employ them. Our sports coach sexual abuse lawyer in Los Angeles, CA will fight for your child’s justice.
Los Angeles Coach Sexual Abuse Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Contact a Los Angeles Sports Coach Sexual Abuse Attorney at Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, LLP
At Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, LLP, we have been helping our clients seek justice after being wronged by others for decades. Coaches should never abuse the trust of student-athletes, and schools should never fail to protect students from predatory coaches. In cases where such abuse does occur, however, a Los Angeles coach sexual abuse lawyer can help you take action. To arrange a free consultation with one of our sexual harassment attorneys, contact us or call (310) 844-9696.
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