Day camps and youth sports offer children opportunities to learn, grow, and form lasting relationships. However, high-profile cases involving youth organizations and sexual abuse have raised concerns about safety among parents.
If your child participates in day camps and youth sports, you must know how to recognize the signs of abuse and take action if necessary. If you believe your child has suffered harm, a sexual abuse lawyer with our law firm can help you seek justice with a civil lawsuit.
Recognizing the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
As parents, when we enroll our children in day camps, youth sports, and other activities, we rely on caregivers, coaches, and other adults to ensure their safety and well-being. However, too often, the individuals we count on are the ones causing harm. Sadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 90 percent of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child and their family know and trust.
The first step in stopping abuse is recognizing the signs, which can be physical, mental, and emotional. Signs of child sexual abuse may include:
- Unexplained injuries (particularly around the genitals or other “private” areas)
- Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
- Inappropriate sexual behavior around other children
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior for their age
- Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Changes in behavior, such as sudden aggression, hostility, or hyperactivity
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping and sleep disturbances
- Decrease in school performance
- Attempts at self-harm
What To Do if You Suspect That Abuse Occurred
If you believe your child may be suffering abuse, you should remove them from the day camp, sport, or youth activity immediately and report the situation to law enforcement. You should seek medical treatment for your child. You may also want to contact an organization, such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, that can direct you to resources for help and assistance.
You should preserve as much evidence of the abuse as possible. While it may be difficult to do so, do not allow your child to bathe, shower, brush their teeth, or change their clothing until you have contacted the police and your child has undergone a medical examination. If you or your child has electronic evidence, such as texts, voicemails, direct messages, or emails, that shows inappropriate behavior or communications, save it and turn it over to the authorities.
Our firm’s Florida sexual abuse lawyers can complete a thorough investigation on your behalf. We can document the scene where the incident occurred, locate and interview witnesses, hire and consult with relevant experts, and obtain police reports and medical records pertaining to your case.
You Can Seek Justice With a Civil Lawsuit
Child sexual abuse is a crime, and the perpetrator may face criminal charges brought by the state. Sexual abuse survivors and their families can also bring civil charges against a perpetrator and seek monetary compensation through a lawsuit.
While money cannot make up for the harm your child has suffered, it can provide you with resources for medical expenses, mental health services, and other treatments. The perpetrator may also be required to pay punitive damages as a form of punishment.
Child sexual abuse survivors often have a hard time disclosing their abuse. Children may be unable to communicate what has happened to them, fear their abuser, or experience feelings of guilt and shame. To give survivors ample time to seek justice, many states, including Florida, have extended the statute of limitations for these types of cases. Florida law allows up to seven years past the age of majority to file a child sexual abuse lawsuit. Our attorneys can help you act before it is too late.
Contact Lehrman Law Today
Lehrman Law fights for people who have been wronged. We provide compassionate, respectful, and thorough representation to sexual abuse survivors. We are here to protect your rights and make your voice heard. Contact us online or call today to connect with our attorneys in Florida.