Cheerleader Sexual Assault

Cheerleader Sexual Assault: Hire a Lawyer for Assistance

An increasing number of sexual assault lawsuits are arising in connection with cheerleading organizations. Parents send their children to cheerleading camps and events expecting them to be protected from inappropriate behavior. Instead, many are shocked to discover their children exposed to a culture of sexual assault and abuse.

A recent slew of lawsuits is arising in connection with sexual assaults happening in youth cheerleading organizations. These have involved a wide range of misconduct, including indecent exposure, pornography, drug and alcohol use, and inappropriate relationships between minor athletes and their coaches or supervisors. 

Cheerleading companies like Varsity Brands and Elite Legacy are being sued for negligence in allowing conditions to occur that foster a culture of sexual abuse and assault among the cheerleader participants. Legal action is needed to compensate survivors of the abuse and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

If you or someone you know has been affected by cheerleader sexual assault, you need the services of an attorney with experience in the matter. Contact us at (561) 293-2600 to schedule a private consultation where we can discuss your legal rights in a confidential setting. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, our Florida-based lawyers have the empathy and compassion needed to handle these types of matters. 

What Types of Misconduct Are Involved in Cheerleading Sexual Assault Cases?

Reports of sexual assault happening at cheerleader practices, camps, competitions, and events are widespread and involve a broad range of misconduct. These may include:

• Assaults of a non-consensual sexual nature
• Nudity/indecent exposure
• Groping, touching, and inappropriate contact during cheer moves and lifts
• Masturbation
• Inappropriate relationships
• Abuse 
• Pornography
• Use of drugs and alcohol at camps and events

Much of the problem with cheerleader sexual assault is that the cheerleader organizations often fail to perform background checks on adults involved in the programs. In many cases, they may fail to remove the offender even after an assault has occurred. 

This creates circumstances where sexual abuses are repeated and multiple athletes are involved with the same perpetrator. Liable parties may include coaches, supervisors, choreographers, trainers, and other adults who are allowed to be near the cheerleader participants. Entire cheerleading organizations can also be held liable if they fail to ensure the safety of the athletes involved.

What Types of Damages Can a Cheerleading Sexual Assault Attorney Help With?

An experienced lawyer can help obtain significant compensation on behalf of cheerleading sexual assault survivors. Assaults can create long-term conditions and challenges for the survivor, which will require ongoing treatment, often well into adulthood. 

A cheerleader sexual assault lawsuit or settlement can provide financial assistance for costs such as:

• Medical treatment, which can often be extensive and ongoing
• Rehabilitation and counseling, which might not always be covered by insurance
• Pain and suffering damages related to psychological and emotional stresses
• Punitive damages intended to punish the perpetrator and prevent further abuses
• Other costs such as attorney’s fees and reimbursement for cheerleading activity expenses

Sexual assault is a serious issue, and perpetrators must be held accountable to the fullest extent under the law. Pursuing legal action can help compensate sexual assault survivors, identify the perpetrator, and possibly prevent other cases from occurring.

Damages in a cheerleader sexual assault case can depend on several factors, including the degree of harm, the amount of negligence involved, and even the skill of the attorney handling the case. At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, we have a proven record of returning significant verdicts and settlements for our clients. Reach out to us at (561) 293-2600 to learn more about your legal rights and options.

A Culture of Sexual Assault in Cheerleading Associations

As mentioned, entire cheerleading organizations are being sued for allowing the conditions to exist which compromise the safety of youth cheerleaders. In many cases, they have been found to be actually promoting a culture of sexual assault and abuse.

Cheerleading organizations can be held liable for such egregious conduct as: 

• Allowing an unchaperoned environment for child/youth athletes
• Failing to perform proper background checks on adult coaches, supervisors, and choreographers
• Failing to remove adults even after sexual assaults and abuses were discovered
• Fostering a party culture at events and competitions where alcohol and drugs were readily available
• Not providing adequate monitoring at cheerleading gyms, camps, tournaments, and competitions 
• Focusing more on athletic safety and appearance of uniforms rather than safety from sexual harm

Thus, cheerleading sexual abuses are not random events. They are part of a larger, systemic, and cultural atmosphere of misconduct that has been allowed to thrive due to lax policies and enforcement on behalf of youth cheerleading organizations. Pursuing legal action can help to dismantle this ongoing system of abuse and help ensure safer policies for participants.

How Do I Recognize Abuse? What Are the Signs of Sexual Assault in Cheerleading?

Sexual assault and abuse can often result in identifiable signs and symptoms, especially in teens and younger children. The following may be signs that your child or teenager may be dealing with sexual abuse issues:  

• Unexplained marks or scars on the body
• Sudden changes in personality, attitude, or behavior
• Acting aloof or distant
• Wearing baggy or loose-fitting clothing
• Emerging interest in sexual topics
• Expressing fear of a specific person (such as a coach or choreographer)
• Avoiding a certain place or a person

If you believe that your child or teenager may be affected by cheerleader sexual assault, you should provide comfort and reassure them that you’re on their side. Survivors of assault may often feel confused, guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed of the abuse even if it’s not their fault. Talking to them and initiating conversation may help them to verbalize and process their feelings.