Justice for Survivors of Athletic Program Sexual Abuse
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse by a coach, athletic trainer, or sports program staff member, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. Our compassionate firm understands the profound trauma caused by this betrayal of trust. We fight for survivors of sexual abuse in youth sports, high school athletics, college programs, and club teams throughout New York State.
Understanding Sexual Abuse in Sports Programs
Sexual abuse in sports settings occurs when coaches, trainers, team doctors, or other authority figures exploit their position of power to sexually abuse athletes. This abuse may involve direct physical contact or non-contact behaviors like voyeurism, exposure, or showing explicit materials.
According to The National Center for Victims of Crime, approximately 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday, with children who participate in youth sports facing additional risk factors. This abuse crosses all boundaries of sport, gender, age, and competitive level.
Why Athletes Are Vulnerable
Children and teens are particularly vulnerable in athletic environments because:
- Coaches have extraordinary power and influence over young athletes
- Sports programs often involve travel, overnight trips, and isolated training sessions
- Physical contact is normalized in many sports
- Young athletes may fear losing scholarships or playing time if they report misconduct
- Team cultures may discourage reporting of inappropriate behavior
Types of Sports Organizations Involved in Sexual Abuse Cases
At The Fitch Law Firm, we can handle sexual abuse cases involving all types of sports organizations, including:
Youth Programs
- Little League Baseball
- Pop Warner Football
- American Youth Soccer Organization
- AAU Basketball programs
School-Based Athletics
- High school athletic departments and teams
- College and university sports programs (NCAA, NJCAA)
Elite Training
- Olympic development programs
- Elite gymnastics training centers
- Professional sports organization youth programs
Community Programs
- Recreation centers and community programs
- Private coaching and training facilities
- Summer sports camps
Sexual abuse can occur in any sport, but our firm have noted particular vulnerabilities in sports like gymnastics, swimming, figure skating, wrestling, and others involving close physical contact, individual training, or revealing uniforms.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Sports Settings
Parents, athletes, and teammates should be aware of potential warning signs of abuse:
Concerning Coach Behaviors
- Singling out certain athletes for special attention or privileges
- Unnecessary physical contact or touching that isn’t related to training
- Excessive private communication between coach and athlete
- Insistence on one-on-one training sessions, especially in private locations
Red Flags in Relationships
- Gifts or special treatment for specific athletes
- Comments about an athlete’s physical development or appearance
- Encouraging secrecy about the relationship
Changes in the Athlete
- Sudden behavioral changes including withdrawal or depression
- Loss of interest in the sport
- Avoiding certain team activities or being alone with specific adults
- Unexplained physical symptoms
New York Laws Protecting Sexual Abuse Survivors
New York State has enacted strong protections for survivors of sexual abuse, particularly through the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA).
Child Victims Act
The Child Victims Act, passed in 2019, significantly expanded survivors’ ability to seek justice by:
- Extending the statute of limitations for criminal cases until the survivor turns 28
- Allowing civil lawsuits to be filed until the survivor turns 55
- Creating a temporary “look-back window” that allowed time-barred claims to be filed
According to CHILD USA, over 10,600 cases were filed during New York’s look-back window, many involving sports organizations and coaches.
Adult Survivors Act
The Adult Survivors Act similarly created a one-year window for adult survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Our attorneys at The Fitch Law Firm stay current on all legal developments affecting survivors’ rights in New York and can explain how these laws apply to your specific situation.
How The Fitch Law Firm Helps Survivors
Led by attorney John Fitch, our firm provides comprehensive legal support to survivors of coach and sports program sexual abuse. Our approach includes:
Trauma-Informed Legal Representation
We understand that discussing sexual abuse is extremely difficult. Our attorneys are trained in trauma-informed approaches, meaning we:
- Prioritize your emotional well-being throughout the legal process
- Work at your pace and comfort level
- Protect your privacy and confidentiality
- Offer flexible meeting options, including secure virtual consultations
- Connect you with appropriate support resources when needed
Thorough Investigation
Our team conducts comprehensive investigations to build strong cases, including:
- Gathering evidence of the abuse
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Reviewing institutional policies and failure to protect
- Locating other survivors when appropriate
- Working with expert witnesses who understand the dynamics of sexual abuse in sports
Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable
Sexual abuse cases often involve multiple responsible parties. We pursue claims against:
- The individual abuser
- Sports organizations that employed the abuser
- School districts or universities
- Athletic associations that failed to properly screen or supervise
- Organizations that knew or should have known about the abuse but failed to act
According to research from the CDC, approximately 40% of child sexual abuse takes place within organizational settings, with many cases involving institutional failures where warning signs were missed or reports were improperly handled.
Types of Compensation Available to Survivors
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of sexual abuse, financial compensation can provide access to needed treatment, acknowledge the harm done, and hold institutions accountable.
Recoverable Damages
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Expenses: Past and future therapy and psychological treatment
- Economic Damages: Lost wages and educational impacts
- Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the estimated lifetime cost of rape per victim is $122,461, which includes medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities, and other related expenses.
Our Record of Success
The Fitch Law Firm has built a strong reputation representing survivors of institutional sexual abuse. Attorney John Fitch brings over 25 years of experience to these sensitive cases and is committed to seeking justice for each client.
Due to the highly sensitive and confidential nature of sexual abuse cases, we protect our clients’ privacy by not disclosing specific case details. Our commitment is to provide the same level of dedicated, compassionate representation to every survivor who seeks our help.
Why Choose The Fitch Law Firm
When choosing an attorney for a sports-related sexual abuse case, experience and approach matter. The Fitch Law Firm offers:
Our Qualifications
- Specialized Experience: Our attorneys focus specifically on institutional sexual abuse cases, including those involving sports organizations.
- Survivor-Centered Approach: We prioritize your well-being, privacy, and goals throughout the legal process.
- Resources and Connections: We work with a network of medical experts, psychologists, and investigators who understand the dynamics of sexual abuse in sports.
Our Commitment
- No Upfront Costs: We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
- Comprehensive Support: Beyond legal representation, we connect survivors with appropriate support resources.
Attorney John Fitch has been recognized for his work representing survivors of institutional abuse.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love has been sexually abused by a coach, trainer, or other sports program employee, The Fitch Law Firm is here to help. We offer completely confidential consultations where you can learn about your legal options without any obligation.
The decision to come forward is deeply personal, and we respect whatever timeline works for you. Many survivors find that seeking justice helps in the healing process, and we’re here to support you when you’re ready.
Call us today or fill out our secure online form to speak with an experienced, compassionate attorney.