Emotional Impact of Sexual Abuse in Athletic Settings

Why Abuse in Sports Hurts in Unique Ways

For many athletes, sports are more than a hobby, they’re a home. The field, the mat, the court becomes a place of belonging. Coaches become mentors. Teammates become family. That’s what makes sexual abuse in athletic settings so devastating. When that trust is broken by someone in a position of power, it can damage far more than the body.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our sports sexual abuse attorneys have worked with survivors across New York who were harmed in school athletics, private training facilities, club teams, and national programs. The emotional wounds they carry are real, and they’re often harder to see than the physical ones. But that doesn’t make them any less valid. If you’ve been through this, or someone you care about has, this is for you.

Loss of Trust in People and Systems

One of the first emotional shifts many survivors experience is a deep loss of trust. Coaches and athletic leaders are supposed to be protectors. When they become the source of harm, survivors often start to question everyone.

This may look like:

• Pulling away from friends or teammates
• Doubting the intentions of even safe adults
• Feeling suspicious in new environments
• Becoming guarded, even with family

When institutions try to downplay or ignore the abuse, it only makes the feeling worse. Survivors may feel betrayed not just by the person who hurt them, but by the entire system that allowed it to happen.

Disconnection from the Sport They Once Loved

Survivors often talk about how the sport itself becomes a trigger. Something they once loved, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, can become painful to even think about. Some athletes walk away entirely. Others try to stay, only to find that every game or practice brings anxiety, panic, or numbness.

This emotional disconnection can include:

• Avoiding places where the abuse occurred
• Throwing away medals, uniforms, or gear
• Struggling to explain to others why they quit

There’s no “right” way to respond. Some people return to their sport later. Others never do. Either choice is okay. Healing doesn’t require reclaiming what was taken, but for some, that becomes part of the journey.

Shame, Self-Blame, and Silence

Abuse in athletic environments often happens in ways that confuse the lines. A coach might frame inappropriate behavior as “discipline” or “part of training.” Survivors are often told not to question authority, not to break team unity, or not to “overreact.” That can lead to years of shame and silence.

Survivors may wrestle with:

• Blaming themselves for “not saying no” or “not seeing it sooner”
• Feeling weak for not stopping the abuse
• Believing they somehow caused or deserved what happened

The truth is simple: it wasn’t your fault. No one deserves to be violated, ever. Especially not by someone who had power over your body, schedule, or goals.

Trauma Responses in Daily Life

Sexual abuse often leaves a lasting mark on how a survivor feels day to day. These responses can show up in ways that seem unrelated but are deeply connected to what happened.

Common trauma effects include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks, especially in performance settings
• Difficulty trusting authority figures
• Disordered eating or body image struggles
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Emotional detachment or overachievement as coping

These emotional responses aren’t weakness. They’re survival tools the brain develops to make sense of trauma. With time, support, and care, they can become easier to manage.

Impact on Identity and Self-Worth

For young athletes especially, identity is often wrapped around their sport. Being “the gymnast,” “the goalie,” or “the fastest runner” becomes part of how they’re seen, and how they see themselves. When abuse enters that space, it can fracture their sense of self.

Survivors may ask:

• Who am I if I’m not competing anymore?
• Can I still be proud of my accomplishments?
• Was any of it real?

The emotional weight of these questions is heavy. That’s why healing work, whether through therapy, peer support, or advocacy, often includes rebuilding identity outside of what was taken or exploited.

Family and Relationship Struggles

Abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It ripples outward. Families may struggle with how to support their child. Parents might feel guilt or shame for not seeing the signs. Partners may not know how to show up for the person they love.

These tensions can create distance at a time when connection is needed most.

What helps:

• Open conversations where survivors feel heard, not pressured
• Therapy for the survivor and, if possible, their family
• Acknowledging what happened, without trying to “fix” it too quickly

In New York, the Office of Children and Family Services offers tools and guidance for families navigating post-abuse challenges, especially for minors.

The Power of Being Believed

More than anything, survivors need to be believed. Whether the abuse happened years ago or just recently, being met with compassion instead of doubt can shift the entire healing process.

If someone shares their story with you:

• Don’t question why they waited
• Don’t ask for proof
• Don’t minimize what they’re feeling

Instead, say: “I’m so sorry that happened. I believe you. You didn’t deserve it.” Those words matter more than you might ever know.

When the Emotional Toll Becomes Too Much

Some survivors reach a point where the emotional weight feels unbearable. They may struggle with depression, isolation, or thoughts of self-harm. If you or someone you know is feeling this way, please don’t wait.

Help is available:

• Crisis lines and survivor support groups
• Trauma-informed therapists with experience in abuse recovery
• Legal and advocacy teams that prioritize emotional safety

The New York State Office of Mental Health offers statewide support services, including crisis assistance, counseling referrals, and resources for youth and adults.

A Message for Survivors

You are not what someone did to you. You are not broken. You are not alone.

Whether you choose to speak out, seek justice, or heal quietly with close support, your path is your own—and that path is valid. At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how deep the emotional wounds of abuse can run. We won’t rush you. We won’t pressure you. We’ll just be here, ready when you are.

When you're ready, you don’t have to carry this alone.