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.