Signs That Your Child Is Being Groomed by a Teacher or Coach

On Behalf of Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC

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May 17, 2025

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Sexual Abuse

Grooming can happen slowly and quietly, often by someone in a position of trust. Parents should watch for unusual attention, secrecy, or isolation from peers. When the adult is a coach or teacher, those warning signs are easier to miss. Knowing the signs that your child is being groomed by a teacher or coach is essential. Early action can stop the abuse.

Warning Signs Your Child May Be the Target of a Sexual Predator

Grooming is a methodical and gradual process that predators use to gain a child’s trust. Once they do, the child lowers their defenses and becomes an easier target for sexual abuse. Children are inclined to trust adults in positions of authority. Certain teachers and coaches misuse that innate trust to take advantage of youths.

Common signs of grooming include sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family, or an unusual emotional attachment to the adult. Your child may receive excessive praise, gifts, or private communication outside normal channels. If the adult in question is communicating with your children through texts or social media, take that as a serious red flag.

Groomers often isolate the child from peers or family, creating a relationship that feels special or secret. You may also notice the adult crossing professional boundaries, such as giving rides, one-on-one meetings, or contacting your child late at night.

The child or teenager may not suspect anything is wrong and may even defend the coach. As a parent, trust your instincts. If something feels off, raise your concerns with anyone who oversees the coach and cease the child’s activities or sports until the matter has been investigated.

Student Sexual Abuse Statistics and News Stories

Sexual abuse stories involving young students continue to be a pervasive concern in Santa Fe.

In December 2023, a 34-year-old math teacher at Ortiz Middle School in Santa Fe was arrested and charged with felony criminal solicitation to commit sexual exploitation of children. The arrest followed an undercover operation by the Santa Fe Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, during which the teacher allegedly solicited explicit material involving children under the age of 10 from detectives posing as minors online.

According to a report by the New Mexico Political Report, the New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority (NMPSIA) paid $33.6 million to settle 141 claims of sexual abuse and molestation in public schools between 2012 and 2021.

A 2024 report from the New Mexico Legislative Education Study Committee further revealed that educator sexual misconduct has cost the state more than $73.2 million over the past decade. An additional $19.8 million was tied to student-on-student sexual misconduct.

A 2024 survey by the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs also found that 5% of respondents had been raped, and 11% had experienced sexual assault in the past year. These figures underscore the need for stronger safeguards and reporting mechanisms within schools.

Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse Claims in New Mexico

New Mexico law limits how long survivors have to file a civil claim for sexual abuse. Adult survivors typically have three years from the date of the abuse or from the time they reasonably discovered the harm, according to N.M. Stat. Ann. § 37-1-8.

For childhood sexual abuse, N.M. Stat. Ann. § 37-1-30 extends the deadline. Survivors can file a lawsuit by their 24^th birthday or within three years from the date they first disclosed the abuse to a licensed medical or mental health care provider in the context of receiving health care.

How Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez, LLC Helps Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Given our vast experience representing victims of sexual abuse, the attorneys at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC understand what your family is going through and how you can be compensated for the harm your family suffered.

We take the time to meet with survivors and their families to learn about the misconduct they witnessed or experienced. We can help you put together the signs of child grooming and then take decisive action to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.

FAQs

What Is the Definition of Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves unwanted or inappropriate sexual contact or behavior without consent. It includes actions such as molestation, exploitation, incest, and any sexual act forced on a minor or adult. Sexual abuse is a serious violation that causes lasting physical and emotional harm. Recognizing the signs early is critical to protecting victims and pursuing justice effectively.

Do Children Have to Testify in Sexual Abuse Cases?

Children often do not have to testify directly in sexual abuse cases. Courts may allow recorded interviews or testimony via closed-circuit television to minimize trauma. These alternative methods protect the child, while ensuring their account is heard. Legal procedures prioritize the child’s emotional well-being without sacrificing the integrity of the case.

What Happens When a Child Discloses Abuse?

When a child discloses abuse, professionals are required to report it to authorities immediately. The child may receive medical evaluation and counseling to address trauma. Authorities will investigate to protect the child and gather evidence. Prompt reporting ensures the child’s safety and initiates the legal process necessary to hold offenders responsible.

Schedule Your Child Sexual Abuse Consultation Today

Learning that your child was groomed for sexual exploitation can be a traumatic and distressing experience for any parent. Survivors and their families deserve answers and justice following such heinous misconduct. In some cases, negligent organizations may also be liable for the harm they allow to happen.

By hiring the legal team at Egolf + Ferlic + Martinez + Cox, LLC, you can take the first step toward holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions. Our career attorneys stand ready to guide you with compassion and resolve. Taking legal action can be an empowering step. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.