“Equal justice under law is not merely a caption on the facade of the Supreme Court building, it is perhaps the most inspiring ideal of our society.”
– Lewis Powell Jr., U.S. Supreme Court Justice

Holding Institutions And Individuals Accountable For College Sports Sexual Abuse

I’m attorney Patrycja R. Karlin, a legal advocate for sexual abuse survivors at The Karlin Law Firm, LLC. My approach to athlete sexual assault cases is rooted in compassion and care.

I always make sure the survivor’s voice is heard. I show them they can feel comfortable sharing their story with me and listen closely to uncover all relevant details.

I am deeply committed to my clients’ rights in every athlete sexual assault case. If you’re seeking justice for what you’ve experienced at the hands of a teammate, coach or athletic staff, contact me today to learn how I will pursue justice against your abuser.

How Common Is Athlete Sexual Assault?

Nationally, one in five women and one in 16 men experience sexual assault during their college years, with many cases going unreported due to fear and institutional pressure.

Athlete sexual assault frequently occurs when team cultures protect perpetrators and discourage reporting. Athletes in team sports often experience higher rates of abuse.

When a dangerous individual holds complete authority over an athlete’s future, reporting abuse becomes incredibly difficult. Many athlete sexual assault survivors stay silent out of fear that telling someone will cost them their scholarships or team positions.

The Responsible Parties In Athlete Sexual Assault Cases

Many survivors experienced sexual violence at the hands of someone within the athletic system. Where they should find inspiration, camaraderie and guidance, they instead encounter predatory behavior under the guise of mentorship.

Nearly 20% of college athletes experience some form of abusive behavior from their coaches who exploit their authority. But coaches aren’t the only ones who commit athlete sexual assault. The perpetrators in athlete sexual assault cases typically include:

  • Team members who use peer pressure to silence individuals
  • Athletic staff with unchecked access to athletes
  • Team physicians who cross boundaries during “treatment”
  • Senior athletes who normalize abuse through hazing

What makes these cases especially difficult is that most athlete sexual assault survivors know their perpetrator.

Legal Options For Survivors Of Athlete Sexual Assault

Throughout Illinois, I stand beside assault survivors in their fight for justice. I strive to hold the individuals who perpetrate sexual assault against athletes responsible for the hurt and trauma they caused. I also provide representation when higher education institutions fail to protect athlete sexual assault survivors from retaliation or abuse.

There are legal consequences for both individual perpetrators and negligent institutions in athlete sexual assault cases. As your attorney, I’ll fight for justice and help you seek protections available under Title IX, the Clery Act and Illinois state laws.

FAQs: Answers For Survivors Of Athlete Sexual Assault

Through my years of advocacy, I’ve found that survivors of athlete sexual assault often have similar questions about the process. Below are answers to the most common questions I receive.

How can I recover from athlete sexual assault?

Healing from athlete sexual assault is a deeply personal and often a lengthy journey, yet progress is always possible. Resources are available to help you cope with the impacts of athlete sexual assault and support your healing. Trusted friends, family or professional therapists can provide invaluable guidance and comfort during this time.

What are the biggest risk factors associated with sexual violence among college students?

If you or someone you know is facing the aftermath of athlete sexual assault, these common risk factors may help make sense of what happened:

  • Coaches and team staff holding power over athletes
  • Alcohol and substance use at campus events where athlete sexual assault can occur
  • Unclear institutional policies on sexual misconduct
  • Vulnerability of first-year students during transition periods

These risk factors exist within systems. This means the fault lies with the perpetrator and negligent institutions, not with the survivor.

What steps do I need to take to start a sexual assault lawsuit against a coach?

If you’re considering legal action against a coach for athlete sexual assault, here are the essential first steps:

  • Seek medical attention immediately for essential medical documentation
  • Report the incident to law enforcement to create an official record
  • Notify the university’s Title IX office if the coach is affiliated with a school
  • Contact the sport’s governing body (NCAA, USA Gymnastics, etc.) to file a report
  • Consult with an attorney experienced in athlete sexual assault cases

The official police and medical records are important pieces of evidence that can aid in your lawsuit.

Fighting For Survivors Of Athlete Sexual Assault

Pursuing justice can create a path toward accountability and closure, but I understand that coming forward isn’t easy. At The Karlin Law Firm, LLC, I prioritize your comfort and will never pressure you to proceed with legal action until you’re OK with taking that step.

If you’re ready to share your story, fill out this online form to send me an email. You can also call 773-993-1266 directly to schedule your consultation at my Chicago office.