Legal Options for Victims of Sports-Related Sexual Abuse

Understanding the Road Ahead

Sexual abuse in sports can feel like a betrayal on every level. Coaches, athletic staff, and team officials are meant to help athletes grow, not harm them. But when that line is crossed, it shakes more than trust. It can leave survivors feeling isolated, silenced, and unsure about what justice even looks like.

If you or someone you love has experienced abuse in a sports environment, know this: you are not alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, our sexual abuse attorneys have helped survivors throughout New York navigate the legal steps after harm in youth sports, college athletics, private training programs, and recreational leagues. Legal action may sound overwhelming, but with the right support, it can be a powerful step forward.

Civil Lawsuits: Seeking Justice and Compensation

One legal option available to survivors is a civil lawsuit. This type of case is not about sending someone to jail. Instead, it focuses on accountability, and making sure the harm you experienced is acknowledged and addressed.

Civil cases allow you to:

• Hold both individuals and institutions accountable
• Seek compensation for therapy, lost income, emotional trauma, and more
• Create change in systems that failed to protect you

Whether the abuse happened last year or decades ago, you may still have the right to file. In New York, the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases has shifted in recent years, especially with legislation aimed at giving survivors more time. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your timeline and options.

Criminal Charges: When Law Enforcement Gets Involved

In some cases, survivors may choose, or be asked, to report the abuse to law enforcement. A criminal case is filed by the state and can lead to arrest, charges, and possibly jail time for the perpetrator.

Criminal cases often involve:

• Police investigations
• Interviews and evidence collection
• Court proceedings and potential testimony

If you’re unsure about going to the police, that’s okay. You don’t have to decide right away. But it helps to talk with someone who can explain the process in clear, compassionate terms. At Horn Wright, LLP, we can connect you with support and walk you through what happens if you choose to involve law enforcement.

Holding Organizations Accountable

Many cases of abuse in sports aren’t isolated. Often, someone knew, or should have known, what was happening. Leagues, schools, gyms, and athletic associations can be legally responsible if they:

• Failed to screen or supervise staff properly
• Ignored warning signs or complaints
• Covered up abuse to protect reputations

Filing a legal claim against an organization isn’t just about compensation. It’s also about prevention. Your voice can force policy changes, new safety protocols, and training programs that protect future athletes.

New York’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government also plays a role when public funding or public institutions are involved in a cover-up or negligent oversight. If your case involves a school or state-funded program, this agency may become part of a broader investigation.

Confidential Settlements: When Privacy Matters

Some survivors want justice, but not publicity. That’s completely understandable. If you’re concerned about your name, your reputation, or reliving the trauma publicly, you have options.

Confidential settlements allow survivors to:

• Resolve claims without going to trial
• Maintain control over what is shared and when
• Focus on healing without public exposure

We work closely with each client to protect their identity and personal details throughout the legal process. That includes using initials in filings, requesting private hearings when needed, and negotiating terms that prioritize your comfort.

Victim Compensation Programs

Even if you don’t pursue a lawsuit, you may still qualify for help through state-supported programs. These offer financial assistance for things like therapy, medical care, relocation, and lost wages due to abuse-related trauma.

In New York, the Office of Victim Services administers compensation and support for survivors of sexual abuse, including those hurt in sports environments. Our attorneys can help guide you through the application and gather what you’ll need to qualify.

This kind of support can offer stability during a time that often feels anything but.

Legal Support for Minors and Their Families

When a child or teenager is abused by a coach or trainer, the legal process can involve their parents or guardians every step of the way. Families often have questions like:

• Can we keep our child’s name private?
• What if the team or school tries to cover it up?
• How long does a case like this take?

You’re not expected to have the answers, that’s what we’re here for. Our job is to guide families through legal, emotional, and safety concerns without pressure. Whether you want to report the abuse, pursue civil action, or just understand your rights, we’ll support your choices.

When the Abuse Happened Years Ago

Many survivors don’t speak up right away. Some wait years or decades to come forward. That delay doesn’t make your experience any less real, or any less worthy of justice.

New York law recognizes this reality. Legislation like the Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act created special “lookback windows” that allow survivors to file claims even after the normal time limit has passed. Although some of those windows have closed, others may still apply.

Let’s talk about what’s possible. You might have more time than you think.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

Making that first call or sending an email is often the hardest part. Survivors sometimes worry they won’t be believed, or that their story isn’t “serious enough.” But if something happened that made you feel violated, unsafe, or silenced. It matters.

When you contact our team, we’ll:

• Listen without judgment
• Ask what kind of outcome you’re hoping for
• Explain your legal rights in plain English
• Lay out next steps, without pressure to decide right away

It’s okay to move at your own pace. You get to choose if, when, and how to proceed.

Horn Wright, LLP: Standing with Survivors Every Step of the Way

At Horn Wright, LLP, we don’t just handle cases, we stand with survivors. If you were harmed in a sports setting by someone in a position of power, we’ll help you find the legal path that honors your story and protects your future. Our sexual abuse attorneys will walk with you through every step, from the first conversation to the final decision.

You’ve been through enough. Let us carry some of that weight with you.