Sexual Misconduct By Coaches or Instructors
Is your child at risk of sexual misconduct by coaches or instructors? As a parent, you want your child to participate in activities such as various types of sports. Sports activities offer physical fitness, a boost to self-esteem, a way to reduce stress and teach teamwork, among other things. Although sports and other activities are great for kids, there is a risk of sexual misconduct by coaches or instructors. It is helpful to understand sexual misconduct by coaches and what you can do if sexual abuse has occurred.
For help taking legal action against a sexual abuser, please reach out to the California sexual abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. today.
What is Sexual Misconduct by A Coach or Instructor?
There are many elements to a case of sexual misconduct by a coach or instructor. A coach or instructor may be a teacher, a religious instructor, a team coach, a sports trainer, a driving instructor, or any person who provides instruction to a minor child. Sexual abuse can take various forms, such as inappropriate touching, molestation, sexual contact, and more. California child abuse and neglect law defines sexual abuse of a child as “the victimization of a child by sexual activities, including molestation, indecent exposure, fondling, rape, and incest.”
Sexual Misconduct by a Coach or Instructor is Complex
There are many dynamics that exist in the relationship between students and teachers or coaches. A child often views the adult as a figure of authority, in which a child feels unable to stop abuse from occurring or feels pressure to keep it secret. Instructors and coaches often find themselves alone with a minor child, allowing private time for misconduct to happen without witnesses. In addition, children may be in locker rooms or other settings where they typically change clothes or take showers. This can provide a place where there is ambiguity regarding nudity. In addition, many times, support staff are not in a position to report a possible problem, and therefore, it allows molestation to continue.
Can a Coach or Instructor Be Held Liable for Child Sexual Misconduct?
A coach or instructor can be held liable when they have sexually abused a child. A parent may file a lawsuit against the coach for damages caused by sexual abuse. In addition, the institution may also be liable if it knew that sexual abuse had occurred but did not do anything about it. A victim may be owed compensation for the damages that were caused by sexual abuse. Some examples of damages include medical bills, costs associated with therapy necessary due to the assault, money for pain and suffering, and compensation for mental anguish, among other things.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The sooner you file a claim, the better. However, it is important to note that many times, children do not report the abuse and only admit it or tell people about it once they are adults. The law limits the time to file a claim. An adult victim may file a claim of child sexual abuse within ten years of the date of the abuse or within three years of finding out about sexual abuse. This law applies to those who experienced abuse in 2019 or later.
Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer from emotional or psychological problems due to the abuse. If a coach or instructor sexually abused you or your child, you can seek justice. Contact a California child sex abuse attorney today at Beck Law at (707) 576-7175 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case.
