Gathering Evidence of Sexual Abuse in Sports or Activities

Why Evidence Matters, But Doesn’t Define Your Truth

When someone experiences sexual abuse, especially in sports or structured activities, it can feel deeply personal, isolating, and hard to explain. Survivors often carry confusion, fear, and shame, sometimes for years, before they speak up. But when they do, one of the most difficult questions they’re asked is: Do you have any evidence?

At Horn Wright, LLP, we want you to know that your voice matters. Your story matters. And while evidence can support a case, the absence of it doesn’t erase what happened. Still, if you’re in a position to gather documentation or preserve details, whether now or later, it can make a difference in your path toward justice.

What Counts as Evidence in Sexual Abuse Cases?

Evidence doesn’t always look like a video or a witness statement. It often includes a wide range of details that support your credibility or demonstrate a pattern of misconduct.

Some forms of evidence might include:

• Text messages, emails, or social media messages between you and the abuser
• Notes, journals, or voice recordings you made about the abuse
• Photographs or screenshots showing inappropriate contact or behavior
• Medical or counseling records that mention the abuse
• Witnesses who saw warning signs, concerning behavior, or parts of the abuse
• Reports made to a coach, school, league, or other authority

If you’re unsure whether something “counts,” it’s okay. That’s what attorneys are here for, to review, assess, and help you decide what supports your case.

How to Safely Document the Abuse

If you’re still in contact with the person who harmed you, or if you’re unsure whether to file a report, there are ways to protect your safety while documenting what’s happening:

• Keep a private record. Write down dates, times, locations, and what happened. Store it somewhere secure, or share it with someone you trust.
• Save communications. Don’t delete texts, voicemails, or DMs, even if they seem minor. These may show manipulation, threats, or a pattern.
• Take screenshots. Document anything that could be changed or deleted later, including posts or chats.
• Limit confrontation. Don’t alert the abuser that you’re collecting evidence. This helps keep you safer and prevents them from erasing messages or changing their behavior.

Remember, your safety always comes first. If you feel at risk, step back and focus on getting to a secure place or speaking with someone you trust.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Physical Evidence

Many survivors worry they waited too long or didn’t save anything. That’s okay. Abuse often happens in private. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

In New York, your own sworn statement can be powerful, especially when combined with other forms of testimony or documentation. Legal teams can also:

• Interview witnesses
• Subpoena communications or records
• Review prior complaints or disciplinary actions

We've worked with survivors who had nothing but their story, and still built strong, successful cases. You are never disqualified from seeking justice because you didn’t document everything.

Reporting Abuse Within a Sports Organization

If you’re still part of the league, team, or activity where the abuse occurred, you have the right to report what happened. Keep in mind:

• Follow the chain of command. Start with the head coach, director, or school official.
• Report in writing. Email or document your concern so there’s a paper trail.
• Request a copy. Ask for written confirmation that your report was received.

Many programs are legally required to investigate abuse complaints. In New York, schools and youth organizations may be subject to mandatory reporting laws.

The New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment accepts reports involving minors and can initiate an investigation even if the abuse occurred in a non-home setting.

The Role of Law Enforcement and Legal Counsel

If you’re ready to go beyond internal reporting, you can speak with:

• Local police or district attorneys
• Child Protective Services (if the survivor is a minor)
• A sexual abuse attorney

Law enforcement can gather physical evidence, conduct interviews, and file criminal charges. Meanwhile, a lawyer can help you understand whether a civil case is possible, even if the abuser isn’t prosecuted criminally.

You don’t need to choose one path or the other. Many survivors pursue both. And you don’t need to navigate any of it alone.

What About Institutional Evidence?

One of the most powerful forms of evidence doesn’t always come from the survivor, it comes from the organization that allowed the abuse to happen.

A skilled attorney can:

• Request records of prior complaints
• Review hiring and supervision files
• Look into the organization’s training and abuse prevention policies
• Subpoena internal investigations or disciplinary records

This kind of documentation can help show that the league, school, or team failed in their duty to protect you, and may be legally responsible for the harm you experienced.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Speak Up

The longer you wait, the harder it may be to access time-sensitive records. Emails get deleted. Witnesses forget. Abusers move or change jobs. While it’s never your fault that these systems fail, acting sooner can sometimes protect your legal options.

That said, waiting doesn’t disqualify you. Thanks to New York’s laws, many survivors still have time to file, especially those who were minors when the abuse occurred.

The New York State Education Department’s Office of Professions also accepts complaints about licensed professionals, including coaches and athletic trainers in school settings. A complaint can lead to discipline, suspension, or even license revocation.

You Don’t Need Everything Figured Out

We talk to survivors every week who start with one sentence: “I’m not sure if this is even a case.” You don’t need to have the timeline perfect or the paperwork ready. You just need to speak with someone who knows how to listen and who knows the law.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we believe your truth matters. And if you’re ready, we’ll help you gather what you need to support it.

Whether you have a folder full of screenshots or nothing but your story, we’re here to help you build the case and the safety you deserve.