Why Sexual Abuse Is So Common in Sports

Thousands of young individuals participate in school sports across Los Angeles. They are coached by various coaches and sports trainers who profess their love for the sport and desire to help athletes reach their full potential. Whether basketball, football, soccer, baseball, or any other sport, coaches are trusted to be there for young athletes. However, it is regrettably common to encounter headlines about coaches and other adults betraying this trust by sexually abusing student athletes.

How often does sexual abuse occur in youth sports?

According to Child Help, an organization that focuses on fighting against child abuse and neglect states that between 14 and 29 percent of young athletes mention being a victim of sexual abuse before they reach 18, and almost 10 percent of these sexual abuse incidents are committed by coaches. While we are seeing more headlines and stories about lawsuits being filed against coaches and other adults who oversee youth sports programs, sexual abuse is still very underreported, which means that it happens at a much higher percentage than mentioned. Many children are afraid to speak out or tell their parents about the sexual abuse as they spend a lot of time with these adults and fear retaliation.

Recent sexual abuse incidents among student-athletes in Los Angeles

When you turn on the news, scroll on social media, or even look at a newspaper, you are likely to see various sexual abuse cases across the country. Here are a few of the most recent ones in Los Angeles that are shedding light on what student-athletes are going through in our schools:

• In April 2024, a man employed as a school athletic trainer for various schools in Los Angeles was sentenced to 36 years in prison for sexually abusing 12 female students.
• In November 2023, a former Los Angeles teacher and girls’ basketball coach was charged with four counts of lewd acts on a child. Two women came forward and told the Los Angeles Police Department about the sexual abuse incidents committed by the teacher and basketball coach almost two decades ago.
• In August 2023, a man employed as a high school basketball coach and substitute teacher in Southern California schools was arrested and charged with sexual contact with a minor, possession of child pornography, and showing pornography to a minor. It is believed that he targets minor girls and that there are several victims.
• In October 2022, a high school basketball coach was arrested for “continuous sexual abuse of a minor.” The police believe that others may have been sexually assaulted by the Los Angeles coach and were asking more people to come forward.

Signs that may indicate your student athlete is experiencing sexual abuse

Many different signs may indicate that your student athlete is experiencing sexual abuse. However, keep in mind that different children may react and process sexual abuse differently. The following are some signs that you should keep an eye out for:

• Aggressive behaviors
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Emotional problems
• Changes in eating habits
• Isolating or withdrawing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Showing sudden interest or talking about sex that is inappropriate for their age
• Spending too much time alone and going places with the coach
• Gifts from coach
• Poor or failing grades
• Bruises or scratches
• Bleeding or injuries near the genitalia area

Talking to your child about signs of sexual abuse can be painful and gut-wrenching, but you must proceed with caution. They may be reluctant to talk to you about what is happening, but you should let them know that you care and want to get them the help they need. Speaking with a sex abuse lawyer about taking legal action as soon as possible is highly recommended.

Why is sexual abuse so common in sports?

Sexual abuse is so common in sports for a variety of reasons, such as:

• Coaches have power and authority: Firstly, coaches, athletic trainers, and other adults who help student athletes have power and authority. They oversee the child’s participation on the team and in the games. Therefore, children are afraid to speak out or tell others about the sexual abuse. In addition, if a child is on the verge of getting a college scholarship, they may fear being kicked off the team or forced to sit on the bench.
• Coaches spend a lot of time with the student athletes (in public and behind closed doors): Coaches and athletic trainers also spend a lot of time with the student athletes. A coach is always nearby, whether at home games, away games, or practices, ensuring that the child is playing to their full potential. However, there are also times that a coach is behind closed doors with the student athletes, such as in locker rooms, hotels, offices, and personalized training or coaching meetings. This gives them time and opportunities to commit sexual abuse.
• Coaches seem trustworthy, respectful, and honest: Most coaches have a certain persona that makes them likable. Parents and the community see them as people who have the best interests of the student athletes in mind. They seem trustworthy, respectful, and honest, which is why many parents allow their children to spend so much time with them. While some coaches are trustworthy and caring, many use this persona to gain access to children.

Why does sexual abuse of young athletes often go unreported?

As mentioned, sexual abuse of young athletes often goes unreported. This is likely because:

• They are embarrassed.
• They believe it is part of the “tough” athletic sports culture.
• There is a lack of awareness or education of sexual abuse among student athletes.
• They fear that they will be blamed or retaliated against if they tell anyone.
• They believe that they do not have any proof.
• They think that their parents will not believe them.
• They are not sure to whom to report the incident.
• They do not want to be picked on or rejected by their peers.

If you or your child are a survivor of sexual abuse by a coach or athletic trainer, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer as soon as possible. At Taylor & Ring, we help our clients gain a voice and seek the justice they deserve. Our attorneys are committed to standing up and fighting for your rights, making sure that you remain protected, and doing everything we can to hold the perpetrators accountable for their horrific actions. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.