Child Sexual Abuse and Hazing on Sports Teams
Tremont Sheldon P.C. has represented survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Connecticut for decades. Some of the most difficult cases we’ve ever handled involve abuse that happens within the context of a sports team. This abuse can be carried out by a coach, a team leader, or even a teammate during hazing or team rituals.
These aren’t just legal cases to us. We understand the pressure to stay silent, for the sake of the team, the school, or the community. We help survivors move forward with their lives when they are ready.
The Challenges of Abuse in Sports
When a child is part of a team, it can feel like they’re part of something bigger than sports. It can feel like a family. That is one of the reasons that makes sports so powerful for kids. But it’s also what makes abuse on a team painful and difficult.
There’s often an unspoken rule to keep quiet about anything that could hurt the team. Kids may feel that they can’t speak up when a coach is abusive or inappropriate, when a hazing ritual gets out of hand, or if a teammate crosses the line. They don’t want to let down their teammates or be the reason a coach is fired or a program is punished. In some cases, their parents are close to the coach or other parents. Speaking up in these circumstances is very difficult.
Abusers know this, and they create a culture where silence is expected. You are not alone if you’ve been in this position. It’s common, and it’s not your fault.
More Survivors Are Speaking Up
We’ve seen a rise in sports-related abuse claims across the state. Sometimes, coaches are found to have been abusing children for years. Other situations involve players who were pressured to participate in hazing or other team rituals that turned violent or sexual. These are not “just pranks” or “kids being kids.” They are abuse, and they have lasting consequences.
Most organizations also have policies or procedures that are designed to foster safety on the team. These policies are often not followed.
What’s different now is that more people are speaking up. Survivors are coming forward in Connecticut and across the country. We’ve represented individuals in confidential settlements and public lawsuits, and we’ve helped expose patterns of misconduct that might never have come to light otherwise. When one person speaks up, others start to find their voice too.
Sometimes people come to us years after something happened. That’s okay. We don’t rush or pressure anyone. But as child sexual abuse lawyers, we do make sure they understand their rights and we help them move forward with their lives.
Why It Matters to Speak Up
If something happened to your child, or to you when you were younger, and you’re unsure whether it “counts,” or whether you should say anything, we know what a heavy question that can be.
It’s easy for people to say, “Just report it.” But in real life, there are social pressures, personal relationships, fear of backlash, and worries about being believed. These are real concerns. We can talk through them, without judgment, and at your pace.
Speaking up, whether in a legal case or just in a private consultation, is the first step toward taking control. It also protects your child as well as other children who may be at risk.
You don’t have to have every answer, and you don’t have to know if you want to file a lawsuit or report someone. But if you think something happened, or you know something did, we’re here to talk through it with you. You can use our experience to better understand what happens next if you choose to pursue your claims.
How Tremont Sheldon P.C. Can Help
Our firm has built a reputation in Connecticut for standing with survivors. We have represented victims of sexual abuse for more than 30 years. That includes survivors of abuse by clergy, teachers, coaches, and peers. Our team understands how institutions often fail to act or actively cover things up.
We’ve recovered millions for our clients, including a $3.25 million settlement for a young man who was sexually assaulted in a school setting and several seven-figure settlements in other abuse cases. We’ve successfully brought claims not just against individuals, but also against organizations that failed to prevent or stop the abuse, such as theaters and schools.
These aren’t easy cases. But we have the experience, the resources, and the commitment to pursue them with compassion and persistence.
You Don’t Have to Be Sure
If something doesn’t sit right with you, it’s okay to ask questions. Answering those questions is what we do. If your child has become withdrawn, anxious, or unusually quiet about their team experience, it’s okay to trust your instincts. You’re not accusing anyone by calling us and everything we discuss is confidential.
Even if you’re not ready to take legal action, we’re here to listen. Sometimes people just want to know if what happened “was wrong.” They want to know what their rights are. We want you to feel supported at every step.
It’s Never Too Early (or Too Late) to Ask for Help
Whether the abuse happened last week or ten years ago, your story matters. And it’s never too late to talk about it. Under Connecticut law, in most cases you have at least until age 48 to file a civil lawsuit concerning childhood sexual abuse, and sometimes even longer than that. There are also limits on the time you have to file criminal charges. We’ve worked with survivors who lived with the trauma for decades before reaching out. We’ve also helped parents make decisions about what to do when something recent happened to their child.
Contact Us Confidentially
If you have questions or want to talk with someone about abuse on a sports team, please call us at 203-212-9075 or CLICK HERE to fill out our contact form and send us a confidential message. Everything you share with us is kept private. We’ll treat your situation with the seriousness and sensitivity it deserves.
FAQs
What if my child isn’t sure what happened, or doesn’t want to talk about it?
That’s common. Children often struggle to make sense of confusing or traumatic experiences, especially if someone they trusted was involved. If your child is withdrawn, anxious, or has a sudden fear of going to practice or seeing certain teammates or coaches, it may be worth speaking with a professional. We’re also available to talk about your concerns in a private setting.
Is it still abuse if it happened during hazing or a team “tradition”?
Yes. Hazing doesn’t excuse abuse. Just because something is called a ritual or “tradition” doesn’t mean it’s harmless or legal. If your child was coerced, hurt, or sexually violated during team bonding or initiation, it may be grounds for legal action. Many teams also have “Safe Team” or other policies and procedures that govern the organization that prohibit hazing and similar behavior.
Can I file a claim if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes. Connecticut has extended the statute of limitations for many survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Even if the abuse happened years ago, you may still be eligible to file a legal claim. In most cases, you have until age 48 to file a lawsuit. In some situations, you may have even longer to file. We can review your situation and help you understand your rights.
What if I’m afraid of damaging my child’s team, school, or community by speaking up?
This is a very real concern. Many families stay silent because they don’t want to hurt others or draw attention to themselves. But protecting your child, and possibly preventing future harm to others, is what matters most. You can come to us privately to talk through your options without making anything public.
Can a school or sports organization be held responsible for abuse?
Yes. If an institution knew or should have known that abuse was happening and failed to act, it can be held legally responsible. This includes schools, sports leagues, athletic departments, and other supervising organizations.
What if the person who caused the harm was a fellow player, not a coach?
Abuse or assault by a teammate can still be grounds for legal action, particularly if it happened during hazing or a team supervised activity. Coaches and schools have a duty to prevent harmful behavior, even between teammates.
Will my family have to go public if we pursue a case?
No. Many cases are handled confidentially. You are not required to speak to the media or be publicly named. We take every possible step to protect your privacy.