As every parent knows, child injuries can come in many forms. Some of the most tragic are the result of sexual abuse, which can take a physical, mental and emotional toll on victims that lasts a lifetime. When that abuse comes from someone in a trusted position of authority, it can take several years to even begin to address the problem.

There's probably no better current example than sports coaches Bernie Fine and Jerry Sandusky, both of whom are facing serious charges and public outrage amid allegations they sexually abused children for several years. Fine, a former Syracuse University assistant men's basketball coach, is being sued by a man who claims Fine sexually abused him when he was 13 years old. He is the third person to accuse Fine of such abuse. Fine was fired Nov. 27 after the first two men, both former ball boys, accused him of sexual assault. But the statute of limitations has run out for both alleged victims and Fine won't face charges in those cases.

Fine's most recent accuser faces a legal challenge of his own. His story of how Fine molested him in a Pittsburgh hotel room in 2002 is being questioned amid claims by Fine's lawyer that the man made it up. He's also facing his own charges of sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy and plans to plead guilty.

Meanwhile, Sandusky has posted bail and denies accusations that he sexually assaulted 10 boys. But as the district attorney in Fine's case points out, there's a distinct difference between the two coaches' cases. While Syracuse acted immediately by firing Fine when the accusations came to light, Sandusky's employer, Pennsylvania State University, is accused of participating in a cover-up of the scandal, which has led to more terminations and charges.

Sexual assault incidents can stay under wraps for years if only the abuser and victim know about it. But once others learn of the abuse, they have a responsibility to report it. Those who don't are contributing to the child's injury.

Source: Bloomberg.com, "Former Syracuse Coach Fine Sued in Pennsylvania Over Child Sex-Abuse Claim," Sophia Pearson and Phil Milford, Dec. 8, 2011