Abuse in Sport

The experts in abuse claims

In recent years, we have increasingly seen more reports of abuse occurring within sports.

Some of the high profile cases where people have come forward and said that they have suffered abuse by coaches or other professionals include:

Football
Gymnastics
Swimming
Athletics

Can I claim for abuse I have suffered during sporting activities or as a member of a sports club?

If you have suffered abuse in sport or at a sporting event, our solicitors are here to advise you. You may be eligible to claim compensation for the following:

General damages – An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering and any psychological effects.
Special damages – An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the cost(s) of any treatment or counselling.
Aggravated damages – An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the manner in which the abuse occurred.

What types of abuse in sport can I claim for?

The more high profile cases in the press are focused on sexual abuse and excessive training regimes.

Coaches and trainers are in a trusted position and are often looked up to by the sportspeople that they train. There has to be a relationship of trust, and if this is abused then it can have devastating effects.

Why has abuse in sport only really been highlighted in recent years?

Abuse of children, young people and adults is more talked about nowadays. There is greater awareness of the problem. Abuse in sport has only really come to the forefront in the media in more recent years. The first prominent cases surrounded abuse in football, in particular abuse by ex-coach Barry Bennell.

There are a number of reasons why it may be difficult for individuals abused in sport to disclose or report the abuse. These may include:

Fear that they will not be believed – Coaches, trainers and other adults involved in sports and training may be held in high regard in their sport, and many victims may feel that they would not be believed if this reputation was challenged.
Not realising that what is happening to them is abuse – Abuse does not always happen in a violent or obvious way, and may involve grooming.
Fear of repercussions – Sporting circles can be very close-knit, and a young athlete may have devoted many years to their training. They may be concerned that reporting any abuse could have an effect on their sporting career.

Changes to the Sexual Offences Act designed to protect young people

A change to the law in 2020 means that those in positions of trust working with young people in sports cannot have relationships with those between the ages of 16-17, despite the legal age of consent being 16.

This change to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 was a welcome amendment in the campaign to protect young people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pursue a claim?

If you or someone you know has suffered abuse in sport, you can contact us to discuss a claim.

We will will advise you whether you are eligible to make a claim and the likely level of damages. If you decide to pursue the claim, we will keep you informed at every stage.

Who can bring a claim?

If you suffered sexual or physical abuse or assault, you may be able to claim damages in the form of monetary compensation. It does not matter if the abuse occurred many years ago.

If the person who suffered abuse is under 18, the claim can be brought by a parent or close relative.

Does the law apply equally to amateur sports as well as professional sports?

Yes it does. The law applies equally, whether the abuse happened within an elite sports setting or amateur club or sports group.

How long will my case take?

There are a number of factors which can affect how long a claim takes. Generally, a civil claim for sexual or physical abuse or assault can be concluded within 6-12 months.

We will provide you with regular updates as your claim progresses.

How much compensation will I receive?

Each claim is different. We will assess your claim and give you an idea at the outset of the likely compensation you can expect to receive.

A civil claim for sexual or physical abuse can include the following types of compensation:

General damages – An award of money for the abuse/assaults themselves and for the pain, suffering and any psychological effects.
Special damages – An award for any specific financial losses we can prove, such as loss of earnings or the cost(s) of any treatment or counselling.
Aggravated damages – An additional award of money in certain cases where the court considers that there has been additional distress caused by the manner in which the abuse occurred.

How will my case be funded?

The majority of abuse claims are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), also known as a ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreement.

The way these agreements work means that you do not have to pay anything to us upfront. If you successfully recover damages, the majority of your costs will be paid by the other side.

You may have to contribute to costs out of any compensation recovered, but this will not be more than 25%.

We may advise you to take out After the Event (ATE) Insurance in your claim, depending on the case. If we consider that this should be taken out, we will discuss this in detail with you.

Any ATE premium will only be payable if you win and will not need to be paid until the end of the claim.

I have reported the abuse to the police and they were unable to prosecute. Will this affect my compensation claim?

The criminal process is different to the civil claims process.

There are different evidential burdens in both processes, so just because the police did not take your complaint any further, it does not mean that you cannot pursue a civil claim.

The police may still have evidence that will support your civil claim, even if it was not enough for a criminal prosecution.

Why choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

At Oakwood Solicitors, we have dedicated lawyers with over 20 years of experience, acting for survivors of sexual and physical abuse.

We understand how difficult it can be to bring a claim, and we are committed to dealing with your case in a sensitive way.

You will have a dedicated solicitor who will deal with your claim from start to finish, and who will be able to speak to you at times convenient to you – even if this is outside our normal office hours.

Welcomed and at ease

I was made to feel welcomed and at ease. Details taken swiftly and sympathetically. Then was given a positive response within a very short space of time.

- Satisfied Client

Quick and professional

Response was quick, and professional.

- Satisfied Client

Molly Frost - Abuse Claims Solicitor

Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specializes in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her field. Molly has acted as lead Solicitor in several group litigation matters arising out of abuse in children’s homes, and has been involved in several high-profile cases.

0113 200 9720

enquiries@oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

Have you been the victim of abuse?