Both sexual harassment and sexual abuse are expressions of the
greater power of one person over another. In sport we believe that
women and girls are more frequent victims of harassment and abuse
than men and boys. Many females drop out of sport rather than continue
being subjected to the undermining effects of constant harassment
and abuse: others endure the sexual attention of their male coaches
or peers because of fear, desire for athletic reward, low self-esteem
or ignorance of who to turn to for help. Typically, abused athletes
keep quiet because they fear that they will either be accused of
consenting or of inventing the whole thing.
Research from allied fields, such as social work, suggests that
the vast majority of perpetrators of sexual harassment and abuse
are men. Sport-based research on these topics is lacking but recent
studies, including those by WomenSport International, indicate that
sexual harassment and abuse is just as much a problem in sport as
it is elsewhere in society and that many sports organisations do
not have adequate mechanisms in place to help protect frightened
athletes and to exclude harassers and abusers.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is unwanted, often persistent, sexual attention.
It may include:
written or verbal abuse or threats
sexually oriented comments
jokes, lewd comments or sexual innuendoes
taunts about body, dress, marital status or sexuality
shouting and/or bullying
ridiculing or undermining of performance or self-respect
sexual or homophobic graffiti
practical jokes based on sex
intimidating sexual remarks, invitations or familiarity
domination of meetings, training sessions or equipment
condescending or patronising behaviour
physical contact, fondling, pinching or kissing
offensive 'phone calls or photos
bullying on the basis of sex
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse often occurs after careful grooming of the athlete
until she believes that sexual involvement with her abuser is acceptable,
unavoidable or a normal part of her training or everyday behaviour.
It may include:
exchange of rewards or privileges for sexual favours
anal or vaginal penetration by penis, fingers or objects
forced sexual activity
physical or sexual violence
Who is at risk?
Risk of sexual harassment or sexual abuse arises from a complex
interplay of factors including: weak organisational controls within
sport clubs, dominating and controlling behaviour by coaches and
vulnerability, low self esteem and high ambition amongst athletes.
Particular dangers arise where such athletes become emotionally
reliant on or obsessed with their coaches and where their coaches
are not subject to independent monitoring
What should be done to help prevent
sexual harassment and abuse in sport?
WomenSport International encourages all sports organisations to:
Prepare and implement codes of ethics and
conduct for coaches, whether they work with adults or children.
Foster a climate of open discussion about
the issues of sexual harassment and abuse so that athletes with
problems feel confident enough to speak out.
Develop athlete autonomy wherever possible
including adopting coaching styles which give optimum autonomy
and responsibility to athletes.
Become involved in coach education programmes
which inform and advise about the
ethical and interpersonal issues of sexual harassment and abuse
and about the technical aspects of physical touch in coaching
Adopt athlete and parent education programmes
which inform and advise athletes on their rights and how to maintain
their integrity and autonomy
Introduce and use reporting and mediation
systems for both athletes and coaches, ideally with the assistance
of trained social work or counselling professionals
Ensure that parents are fully informed of
the whereabouts of their children at all times and are involved
as fully as possible in supporting the work of coaches
Adopt rigorous screening procedures
for the appointment of all personnel, whether coaching staff or
Be constantly vigilant and avoid complacency
and expect and demand the highest standards of accountability
at all levels of the sport
Celebrate the good work of athletes and coaches
on a regular basis.
If you have been a victim of sexual harassment or sexual abuse and
would like help, or if you would just like to know more then please
contact WomenSport International
Members of the Task force:
Celia Brackenridge (UK) - Convenor
Sandra Kirby (Canada)
Mariah Burton Nelson (USA)
Tod Crosset (USA)
Karin Volkwein (USA)
Hazel Hartley (UK)
Correspondence only: Don Sabo (liaison to the US Women's Sports
Foundation Task Force)
For more information or print brochures, contact:
C&GCHE Francis Close Hall
Swindon Road, Cheltenham
Glos GL50 4AZ UK