Any form of sexual abuse that occurs in a youth sports setting involves the exploitation of children by trusted authority figures, such as coaches, assistants, volunteers, or other adult supervisors. The power imbalance in such situations leaves minors vulnerable, and when trusted individuals take advantage and cause harm, those they victimize have the right to pursue legal action.
If you or your child has experienced sexual abuse in youth sports in Irvine, a knowledgeable child sexual abuse lawyer could help you file a claim and seek the compensation you deserve.
In grooming and manipulating a child, an abuser betrays their victim’s confidence and exploits the power imbalance between them. This can leave a child with deep mental and emotional scarring and cause social challenges.
Abusers often attempt to normalize their behavior and create emotional bonds through special treatment, such as giving gifts or other rewards. They may also threaten their victims to prevent them from telling anyone about their experiences. Such treatment can cause a child to internalize guilt and blame themself for the abuse. Exploitation erodes a survivor’s ability to form healthy relationships by creating difficulties with trust and intimacy. Furthermore, studies show that experiencing sexual abuse as a child may cause a victim to engage in high-risk sexual behavior and feel lifelong dissatisfaction in future relationships.
Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse require trauma-informed services for healing, which recognize the widespread and far-reaching mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the damage sustained. An Irvine attorney skilled in handling cases of child sexual assault in a sporting environment could help you understand your legal options and provide information about resources for recovery.
In addition to the abuser, parties responsible for child sexual abuse in youth sports may include Irvine facilities, sponsors, organizations, and supervising adults. Civil lawsuits for resulting damages must demonstrate that the liable party acted negligently, such as by failing to supervise children or respond to complaints.
Evidence for a claim may include medical records, documentation of physical injuries, evaluations from mental health professionals that detail trauma symptoms, and witness statements or testimony.
In recent years, state lawmakers passed legislation allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file claims against their abusers years after the fact. The California Child Victims Act, under California Civil Procedure Code § 340.1, removed the statute of limitations for current cases and provides a lookback window, allowing previously expired claims to be brought to court. Individuals in Irvine pursuing legal action for sport-related child sex crimes can file claims against the individual abuser and any other party whose actions make them legally liable for damages.
When coaches and volunteers involved in children’s sports activities abuse their power and cause harm, victims have the right to pursue compensation. In the past, the state set strict deadlines for filing a child sexual abuse claim. However, recent legislation has removed those time limits, allowing more survivors to pursue the justice they deserve.
A compassionate lawyer experienced in handling cases of sexual abuse in youth sports in Irvine could help you through the legal process and fight for a fair outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
If you or your child has been a victim, talk to an Irvine child sexual abuse lawyer at The Cifarelli Law Firm. Our team is passionate about advocating for victims and helping them seek justice. We understand this is a difficult situation, and we strive to create a place where victims from all over California can feel safe and heard. Call The Cifarelli Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
(949) 502-8600
