Sexual Assault in Swimming

Coach Sexual Abuse Attorneys

According to the Huffington Post, the sport of gymnastics is not the only USA team sport to have sexual abuse and sexual assault in its history. Larry Nassar, team doctor for USA Gymnastics has been sentenced to more than 140 years for sexual crimes committed against at least 260 girls and women. The Southern California News Group reported there have been at least two decades of sexual abuse in USA Swimming. During that time period at least 252 swim coaches or officials were arrested and charged by prosecutors or were disciplined by the USAS for sexual abuse against those under the age of 18. Allegedly, there have been nearly 600 victims come forward to detail the sexual abuse, with some of those victims being preschoolers at the time of the abuse.

These victims claim top officials and the former executive director of USA Swimming knew about the abuse, yet failed to take any action. Even Susan Woessner, the director of USA Swimming’s Safe Sport was recently forced to resign after admitting she once kissed a coach she was later asked to investigate for allegations of an improper relationship with a swimmer. One journalist wrote about the sexual abuse taking place in USA Swimming back in 2014. At that time the journalist asserted the issue would one day soon receive national attention. An ESPN investigation in 2010 found that “sex abuse is pervasive in USA swimming.” The ESPN investigation also found that there was inadequate oversight to protect the young swimmers and that local coaches, parents and swimmers did not report inappropriate contact when it occurred.

When you consider the fact that millions of children across the United States participate in sports, it is clear the problem is a very serious one. Many of these youth sports are governed by one of the 47 national governing bodies—such as USA Swimming. Sexual misconduct allegations for Olympic sports organizations go back as far as 1982. Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman has filed a lawsuit against USOC whom she claims were quick to capitalize on her success, but failed to either protect her, or even reach out to her when she came forward with her claims against Nassar.  It is crucial that reforms be made in these sports organizations, and that parents, coaches, reporters and fans begin holding those in power responsible for protecting these young athletes.

We’ve Been Fighting for Sexual Abuse Victim Rights for Decades

If you have been the victim of sexual assault by a swimming coach or teammate, the law is on your side. Our Denver coach sexual abuse attorneys have been protecting children and families who have been victimized by predatory swimming coaches. To learn more about your legal rights, contact the Gold Law Firm today for a free consultation at (303) 694-4653.