How to Report a Sports Coach or Athletic Trainer for Sexual Abuse

To report a sports coach or athletic trainer for sexual abuse, you should get your child medical attention, document everything, report the incident, and talk to a lawyer. No child should ever have to endure the trauma of sexual abuse, especially at the hands of someone meant to guide them. 

Unfortunately, these trusted authority figures sometimes abuse their positions of power over young athletes. You likely feel betrayed, angry, and unsure where to turn. Many people wonder how to report a sports coach or athletic trainer for sexual abuse while protecting their child at the same time. 

An Atlanta youth sports sexual abuse lawyer can guide you through notifying authorities correctly while safeguarding your child’s rights and wellbeing. Let’s take a look into the right steps to take to pursue accountability against the abuser.

Reporting a Sports Coach or Athletic Trainer for Sexual Abuse

Uncovering sexual abuse can be an incredibly upsetting experience. It is not uncommon for people to feel fear, confusion, anger, disappointment, or a myriad of other emotions. 

Because of these intense feelings, it can be difficult to make decisions about the best way to report sexual abuse by a coach or trainer. Here are the steps you should take.

Get Your Child to Safety First

The number one priority is ensuring your child’s safety and removing them from the abusive situation immediately. 

This may mean pulling them from the sports program or team, at least temporarily. As difficult as it is, try to stay calm when explaining to your child why this step is necessary–the last thing they need is additional trauma.

Seek Medical Attention

Depending on the circumstances, your child may require medical care and treatment. Even if there are no obvious physical injuries, the psychological impacts of sexual abuse can be severe.

Don’t hesitate to get your child counseling and support services, too. Their healing journey is just beginning. For further resources, you can reach out for help by contacting Childhelp.

Document Everything You Can

While the memories are still fresh, write down every detail you can remember about the abuse–dates, times, locations, witnesses, and any evidence like texts or emails. These records could prove vital later on. Advise your child to do the same if they feel able.

Decide Whether to Report to Law Enforcement

This is a very personal decision each family must make. An Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer can counsel you on the pros and cons of going to the police right away versus waiting. 

The biggest advantage of reporting quickly is preserving critical evidence.

If Reporting to Police, Bring Support

Going through the reporting process for sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult and traumatic, for both you and your child. Consider bringing a lawyer, counselor, or another support person to provide emotional strength. 

An attorney can help ensure your child’s rights are protected and documentation is handled properly.

An Experienced Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights

While you may feel compelled to report a sports coach or athletic trainer for sexual abuse immediately–pause–this is when having professional legal guidance becomes invaluable. An experienced lawyer can be your advocate, handling all communications and shielding your family from unnecessary pain.

Here’s how an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can lighten your burden:

• Gathering and preserving critical evidence correctly
• Dealing with the sports organization, coaches, lawyers, etc.
• Explaining your legal rights and options clearly
• Ensuring you don’t miss any deadlines or requirements
• Negotiating for the maximum compensation you deserve
• Preparing you for difficult processes like depositions
• Providing caring understanding during an unimaginable time

You’ve already been through so much–don’t go through this alone. Seek help from an experienced sexual abuse attorney.

Next Steps with Your Legal Team

Once you’ve taken the initial actions like reporting to the police, your Atlanta sexual abuse lawyer can then review all the circumstances to determine the best path forward. Potential next steps may include: 

• Filing an official sexual abuse lawsuit against the perpetrator
• Exploring lawsuits against any negligent third parties like the sports organization
• Calculating damages for medical costs, therapy, pain and suffering, etc.
• Negotiating strategically for maximum compensation
• If criminal charges were filed, working alongside prosecutors
• Building a case for trial, if the other side refuses to settle fairly

No matter what lies ahead, your legal team has one mission–protecting your child and family while aggressively pursuing accountability from those responsible.

Healing After Abuse

As emotionally draining as the legal process may become, never lose sight of your child’s healing journey. With the right support system of counselors, therapists, loved ones, and your attorney, you can help them through this trauma.

It may not feel like it now, but there is light at the end of this dark path–a future where your child feels safe again. Stay focused on that goal, and call upon professionals to help carry the legal burden.

For many families, seeking justice and compensation is part of the path to healing. While no amount of money can undo what happened, it can help pay for the treatment and support your child needs and help pave the way to a brighter future. When you’re ready to explore your options, contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation. We are here to help.