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Why Does Sexual Abuse Happen in Sports?
Sexual abuse in sports often happens when coaches, doctors, and other members of sports organizations take advantage of a young athlete’s trust. Broken trust can make the victim feel confused and lost on where to turn for help. From The University of Michigan to Ohio State and others, the scandals of sexual abuse among young athletes have been flooding news media outlets as of late.
With young athletes like Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles sharing her story about the sexual abuse she endured by USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, her bravery can pave the way for other athletes to come forward. Here are some facts you need to know.
The Statistics of Sexual Abuse Involving Athletes
Statistics gathered by Child Help show some alarming facts about sexual abuse and young athletes:
- Abuse occurs in all types of sports
- 40% to 50% of athletes have experienced mild harassment to severe abuse
- 2% to 8% of all athletes have been impacted by sexual abuse
- 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator
The Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
While there may be more awareness about sexual abuse among young athletes, many people may not recognize or detect that their loved ones are subjected to sexual abuse. Here are some red flags to look for:
- Missing sports practices
- Loss of interest in the sport
- Withdrawal from activities that they once used to love
- Dropping school grades
- Change in eating habits
- Mood swings/mood changes
- Feeling anxious/depressed
- Not wanting to hang out with friends
Moving Forward With Your Life After Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse often feel alone, scared, and ashamed about what happened. Not feeling supported can make it difficult for survivors to speak out against their abuser and get help. At , we understand how difficult it is to speak out against your perpetrator. We believe you, and when you are ready to speak out, we are here to support and guide you through every step of the legal process and protect your rights.
Contact us today at (833) 456-3529 to learn how we can help you hold your abuser accountable for their actions.
