The Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has now published its Report into Child Sexual Abuse in Sports, which describes the experiences of victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in sports between the 1950’s and 2010’s.
IICSA Report into Child Sexual Abuse in Sports
Of the 3,939 people who shared their experiences with the Truth Project, 58 reported being sexually abused by a sporting coach or a volunteer in a sports organisation.
Survivors gave accounts of abusers approaching their parents to arrange trips out or overnight stays during which they would be abused. The Inquiry found that the physical contact often involved in sports gave abusers the opportunity to sexually assault the children in their care, e.g. in the swimming pool. The social links between the families of abusers and the families of the child being abused often made it more difficult for that child to disclose the abuse for fear of the consequences.
Long lasting and serious consequences
Childhood abuse is not over when the abuse stops. It has long lasting and serious consequences which a child takes into adulthood and which may affect that person’s ability to work and to form long-lasting and intimate relationships.
How we can help
Dianne Collins is a Senior Associate in our expert Personal Injury team.
At Nelsons, we understand that there are many motives for a survivor of childhood abuse wanting to bring a civil claim and we will guide you through the process. Whilst it is important to understand that the ultimate aim of a personal injury claim is to obtain financial compensation for the effects of the abuse you suffered, we will always try to obtain for you, if possible, the answers and apology you deserve.
If you suffered abuse, even if it was a long time ago, in residential care or foster care, a sports setting or anywhere else you may be able to make a claim for compensation. If you would like confidential, free advice on whether you can claim compensation, please contact Dianne or Helen Froggatt on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.