Sexual assault can occur when an athletic coach or advisor uses their position of authority to engage in sexual misconduct with minors or anyone else with whom they are in close proximity. Cases can involve inappropriate behaviors, such as sexual assault, exploitation, or harassment. The acts violate legal and ethical standards, undermining the integrity and safety of group sports activities.
Attention to the issues continues to increase in recent years, leading to stricter policies, improved reporting systems, and more training to protect vulnerable athletes from abuse. Speak to a Philadelphia athletic coach sexual assault lawyer at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, for more information about how you could file a civil claim against the assailant.
Unfortunately, some athletic coaches use their authority and access to children and young or vulnerable adults to form unwanted sexual relationships. Sexual assault occurs may include groping, fondling, unwanted touching, or rape without the consent of the victim, or they are unable to consent legally. The unlawful action can happen in many locations, including on trips, in the locker room, on the field, or during private gatherings.
However, it is more likely to occur when the coach is alone with their victims. Abusive coaches often earn the trust of their players, assistants, the parents, and the community by appearing trustworthy and prioritizing the best interests of the athletes they instruct.
Grooming is a predatory behavior involving the manipulation of vulnerable athletes meant to prepare them for sexual abuse. It can involve a series of calculated steps to establish trust, create emotional dependency, and normalize inappropriate actions. Examples of grooming include the following:
Grooming initially appears to be caring and supportive, making it challenging to recognize. A Philadelphia attorney understands the harm that athletic coaches can cause when they commit sexual assault, and it may be possible to build a powerful case to hold them accountable.
Sports officials supervise children who participate in athletics or other competitive or artistic endeavors, and may include coaches, assistant coaches, instructors, and athletic trainers. Coaches of student-athletes engaging in sexual activities with students are committing institutional sexual assault, regardless of the victim’s age. While state lawmakers might update and alter the timeline for seeking action, understanding the deadline for filing the case is essential.
Under Pennsylvania Compiled Statutes Annotated § 5524, victims must file the lawsuit within two years of the assault. However, depending on when the event occurred, they may qualify under the amendment, allowing them to file by their 55th birthday. An athletic coach sexual assault lawyer could answer questions about the applicable rules and process to obtain a fair settlement in Philadelphia.
As a victim of sexual crimes committed by a coach or other person related to sports or training, you have legal rights. You may hold that party legally and financially responsible through civil laws. However, the rules and guidelines may be confusing without help.
Therefore, you should seek help from a qualified legal professional. Meet with a qualified Philadelphia athletic coach sexual assault lawyer at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, to review your case, get answers to your questions, and begin preparing your claim.