Recent news coverage regarding the sexual abuse of hundreds of young gymnasts by longtime USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar is a reminder that parents, coaches, teachers, and administrators need to be constantly diligent in protecting children from harm. During Nassar’s trial, 150 victims provided emotional testimony describing the tragic consequences of ignored and improperly handled reports of abuse.
Most states have clear laws regarding mandatory reporting in the educational setting, but unfortunately, some coaches and educational administrators fail to act properly to defend and protect children in situations of the alleged abuse. While the Nassar story has received national media attention, similar situations can occur in our own local churches, schools, scouting organizations, and sports programs. Every such organization would be well-served to use the USA Gymnastics tragedy as a call to review policies, procedures, and educational programming related to background checks and monitoring/reporting child abuse.
If you have questions or concerns about evidence of child abuse in a school, church, scouting organization, or athletic program, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys at Goza & Honnold. We are always willing to speak with victims and families to help them understand their legal options.