ITV have brought out a new series called “The Blame” based on the novel of Charlotte Langley with the lead character Detective Inspector played by the brilliant Michelle Keegan.

The storyline follows a female teenage figure skater who is murdered. As the story progresses, the lead up to her death is investigated.

Initially, it is discovered that she was sexually assaulted by her figure skating coach. When she refuses his advances, she is thrown off the team. She is seen distressed, googling “what is sexual assault?”. These types of storylines rarely make prime time TV, so it was refreshing to see such an important relationship covered in such way and raise awareness of the potential risks.

Often coaches have spent years building relationships with children/young adults (and their families) which can sadly then involve a significant period of grooming.  When there are problematic dynamics within the family, often a coach may become a confidant of a child. A coach will often be viewed as holding the ‘key’ to that young person’s future progress/success in their career. Again, this therefore creates a significant control over a young person.

In the series, the coach loses his job with little further recourse, but in reality, the consequences can be significant.

Coaches are now legally classed as being in a position of trust, therefore sexual relationships with individuals who are 16 or 17 years old, is a criminal offence.  The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, makes such relationships a criminal act. This of course, is an expansion to the law, because any sexual relationships with  individuals who are under 16, has always been a criminal act.

Further someone who has suffered abuse at the hands of their coach may be able to sue the individual coach or the organisation for compensation depending on the facts of the claim.

I have worked on many cases over the years, that sadly reflect this storyline, including gymnasts and footballers who felt unable to disclose sexual abuse by coaches for decades until others had also come forward. It can be common for an individual to believe they are the only one, when in reality, the predatory behaviour is repeated over and over again by the person in a position of trust. 

Secondly, the storyline goes on to uncover one of the police employee’s accessing personal contact data of survivors who had previously reported sexual abuse to contact them and “follow up” their reports. The employee goes on to sexual assault these women.

Again, if this situation played out in real life, not only would the individual face potentially a heavy criminal sentence for such actions, but also the police force would potentially be liable for the claims of the survivors who had been sexually assaulted by the officer, who had access to vulnerable individuals through his position with the police force. This would be a vicarious liability claim, where the force would be liable of actions of employees conducted in the course of their employment.

The series, is uncomfortable to watch. Not only is sexual abuse prevalent but the attitudes of the investigating male officers is played out showing the lack of seriousness taken in investigating/interviewing the minor, victim shaming and sharing of indecent images on WhatsApp groups (which is also a crime). The series has created much talk about such issues and it is refreshing to see ITV address them.

Seeking advice

If you suffered sexual abuse by a coach or in a sporting organisation, you may be entitled to bring a civil claim for compensation.

Our specialist abuse solicitors can assess the circumstances of your case, including whether an organisation may be legally responsible for the actions of the person who abused you.

If you would like confidential advice about whether you may have a claim arising from abuse by a coach, police officer, scout leader, teacher, youth worker, medical professional, religious leader or another person in a position of trust, contact us for a confidential initial discussion.

Contact Hannah Hodgson at hannah.hodgson@switalskis.com or Danielle Vincent at danielle.vincent@switalskis.com, specialist abuse lawyers, for a confidential discussion about your legal rights.