Youth sports are meant to promote teamwork, discipline, and confidence. For many young athletes across New Jersey, these programs offer lifelong skills and friendships. However, in far too many cases, coaches and other authority figures have used their positions to sexually abuse children and teens in their care. When athletic organizations fail to prevent or report this abuse, they must be held accountable.
At Survivors of Abuse NJ, our experienced attorneys represent individuals who were sexually abused while participating in youth sports programs. We fight to hold not only the abuser but also the leagues, schools, and organizations responsible for enabling misconduct or turning a blind eye to warning signs.
Understanding Youth Sports Sexual Abuse
NJ Sexual abuse in youth athletics can take many forms, including:
Inappropriate touching during practice or games
Grooming behavior like gifts, special treatment, or secret communication
Forced or coerced sexual activity
Abuse during overnight trips, locker room settings, or private training sessions
Failure by staff or volunteers to intervene or report suspicious conduct
Young athletes often trust their coaches and trainers deeply. This power dynamic makes it especially difficult for them to speak out—especially when the abuser is a respected figure within the program or community.
Your Legal Rights as a Survivor
New Jersey law provides survivors with powerful civil options. Even if criminal charges were never filed—or if the abuse happened years ago—you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit.
A lawsuit may allow you to recover damages for:
Emotional distress and trauma
Counseling and mental health services
Medical expenses related to abuse
Loss of educational or athletic opportunities
Punitive damages against institutions that ignored warning signs
Civil claims also allow survivors to bring hidden abuse into the light and help protect future athletes from similar harm.
Organizations That May Be Held Liable
Local and regional sports leagues
School districts and private athletic programs
State or national sports organizations
Youth clubs, travel teams, or recreational departments
Coaches, volunteers, and supervising staff
If an organization failed to screen staff properly, ignored complaints, or did not have safeguards in place, they may share legal responsibility for what occurred.
Why Choose Our Law Firm
Deep experience with sexual abuse cases in sports and youth programs
Survivor-centered approach that prioritizes confidentiality
No legal fees unless we recover compensation
Statewide representation throughout New Jersey
You were meant to be coached, not abused. If you were harmed by someone in a position of authority in a youth sports setting, we are here to help you seek justice and accountability.
