Child Sexual Abuse by Coaches in San Diego

Participation in youth sports and athletic programs is important for children to grow and learn. However, coaches can ruin these benefits if they use their position as an opportunity to abuse the children in their care.

Here at The Cifarelli Law Firm, we advocate for victims and their families who have suffered due to child sexual abuse by coaches in San Diego. Our compassionate youth sports abuse attorneys file civil cases throughout Southern California to recover compensation from sexual predators and the institutions that allow them to commit crimes against children. Reach out to our team today to schedule your initial consultation.

Discovering Child Sexual Abuse by a Trusted Adult

It can be difficult to discover sexual abuse by a San Diego coach, as you expect a trusted educator not to harm your child. Unfortunately, predatory coaches exploit this trust to groom the children under their care without attracting suspicion. Potential signs of sexual abuse include the coach:

• Having secrets with your child
• Communicating privately with your child outside of official team channels
• Having sexualized discussions with your child
• Showing an inappropriate interest in your child outside of their athletic participation
• Attempting to isolate your child from the team or group
• Giving your child special privileges or gifts

These signs of grooming can be difficult to address because a predatory coach will use their position to explain their behavior.

Your child may also demonstrate patterns of sexual abuse through changes in their behavior or emotions. They may refuse to continue participating in an activity led by an abusive coach. Signs of abuse can also appear in their performance at school or their interactions with friends and family. The onset of anxiety, depression, body shame, and other mental health conditions can further indicate sexual abuse.

How Do You Recover Compensation After Sexual Abuse of a Minor?

After discovering that a coach has sexually abused your child, you should immediately report the crime to San Diego law enforcement. The district attorney’s office is responsible for any criminal prosecution of the coach. However, our attorneys can file a separate but related case to pursue compensation for the damages your child incurred. California has no statute of limitations on filing a personal injury case related to childhood sexual abuse under Code Civil Procedure § 340.1. Regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred, you can schedule a consultation with our attorneys to discuss a possible civil claim.

Childhood sexual abuse causes harm that can follow a survivor for years. We help clients detail every damage in their case to seek maximum compensation for their losses, which can include the following:

• Therapy costs
• Mental health treatment costs
• Medical care costs
• Lost income or earning ability
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive damages

In addition to the predatory coach who committed the abuse, other parties may also be liable for the damages to your child. A sports league, school administration, or organization that was negligent in allowing abuse can be held accountable in court.

Call a San Diego Attorney Today About Child Sexual Abuse by a Coach

Here at The Cifarelli Law Firm, we have years of experience helping survivors and their families exercise their legal rights following child sexual abuse by coaches in San Diego. We approach each client’s case with sensitivity and a commitment to professional advocacy during a difficult time. Contact our office today to schedule a free case consultation.