There are many types of martial arts to choose from, but there’s no denying that karate is one of the most popular choices for kids and teens. That’s because karate helps with motor coordination, balance, and endurance, while stressing the importance of self-defense and diffusing a situation with as little violence as possible.
Many kids enjoy their classes and form a lifelong appreciation for their instructor. Sadly, others are abused by an instructor that preys on children for the purpose of sexual gratification. It’s easy to see why a sexual predator would work at a martial arts studio, where they have easy access to lots of children on a daily basis. In addition, it’s natural for the teachers to have some sort of physical contact with the student in order to demonstrate moves and show them proper technique. A lot of these teachers also give private lessons, and this is another opportunity to groom an innocent student and coerce them into a sexual relationship.
Are you a former karate student who was abused in a sexual manner by your instructor or another employee at a karate school? Do you have a child who was sexually assaulted or harassed by a karate instructor? We can help you go after the responsible parties and ensure that you receive compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and other monetary damages. Contact our law firm at your earliest convenience to discuss your case with a karate teacher sexual abuse attorney.
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Minors Cannot Consent to Sexual Activity
This is a crucial statement that people need to understand when it comes to sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18. In California, 18 is the legal age of consent, so anyone under this age cannot legally consent to sexual intercourse or any other activity of a sexual nature. So, a karate teacher cannot make the excuse that the minor knew what they were doing and they fully consented to having sex, exchanging nude pics, looking at pornography, etc.
Some people may wonder why an individual under 18 can’t give consent. Technically, they can say yes to having sex, but it’s a whole different issue to give “informed” consent to a sexual relationship. In order to give informed consent, both parties would have to understand the emotional and physical ramifications of what they are about to do. California has decided that individuals younger than 18 have not developed the psychological and cognitive abilities to make an informed decision about engaging in sexual activity. This is why sex between adults and minors is sexual assault under California law, even if the child willingly took part in the activity.
We want to stress that it’s very easy for an adult to manipulate a child, especially if they spend a lot of time together as teacher and student. The abuse of authority by these instructors is inexcusable, and we are here to make sure that victims receive justice for the harm they suffered.
Who can I Sue if a Karate Teacher Sexually Abused Me?
Since there is a definitive person that committed the abuse, you may assume that this is the only person you can go after in a lawsuit. While this is true, one also has to look at the business that employs instructors to teach martial arts classes. As you are probably aware, background checks are necessary to ensure that a person with previous arrests and convictions are not allowed to work certain jobs. This would certainly include employment at martial arts academies that offer classes to children.
Owners of businesses that cater to children must also provide adequate supervision of teachers and students, and keep an eye out for unusual behaviors. Unfortunately, many of these studios do not question why a teacher and a particular student spend so much time together away from other students. Or, maybe the student is exhibiting signs of being abused, like being angry or defensive all the time, or not wanting to be alone with a particular staff member.
Furthermore, martial arts schools have a legal duty to report any and all allegations of sexual misconduct by their employees. Failure to do so is actually a crime in California, as well as grounds for a child sexual abuse lawsuit. The requirement also applies to anyone who works with children on a regular basis, and this can include karate tournament organizers, operators of sports facilities, and officials of sports organizations.
These are just some of the factors that will determine who can sue if you were sexually assaulted by a martial arts teacher. At the end of the day, these are incredibly complicated lawsuits, so you will need advice and guidance from a lawyer with experience in suing for sexual abuse during childhood
Suing for Child Sexual Abuse – How Long Do I have?
According to California’s Assembly Bill 218, a lawsuit for sexual abuse during childhood can be filed up until the victim’s 40th birthday. That means you have 22 years after you are legally an adult to sue for sexual assault and exploitation by a karate teacher.
What if you are older than 40 and still wish to file a lawsuit? Is it too late to hold your abuser and the martial arts studio responsible?
If you meet the requirements of AB 218’s discovery rule, you may be eligible for a child sexual assault claim beyond the age of 40. The rule has to do with the delayed realization of emotional or physical injuries caused by sexual abuse. It is very common for sexually abused minors to repress what happened to them instead of seeking help from a therapist or law enforcement. After so many years of repression, victims find that they are struggling with mental health issues that have to do with the trauma of sexual abuse while they were children. If the point at which you realized the harm caused by sex abuse occurred after your 40th birthday, the discovery rule provides you with 5 additional years to file a lawsuit.
To learn more about the statute of limitations for sexual assault during childhood, please contact our office.
Speak to a Karate Teacher Sexual Assault Lawyer
Filing a lawsuit isn’t just about the money, which can never take away the trauma of sexual assault by a trusted adult. It’s about justice and ensuring that the guilty individual doesn’t get away with their crime. That’s the principle that motivates us here at Normandie Law Firm, where victims receive free legal services.
Starting from the initial consultation, you pay absolutely nothing under a policy known as the Zero Fee Guarantee. We wait until the end of your case to receive payment, which is covered by the defendant as a part of your settlement award. So, if we don’t secure the compensation you deserve, you owe us $0 – guaranteed.
Our law firm is here to assist you 24/7, so please reach out to us and talk to a lawyer who can sue for sexual abuse by a karate instructor.
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