Op-Ed: The Fight Against Abuse in Women's Sports

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In the world of sports, much attention and resources are directed toward combating doping and match-fixing, two issues that have plagued the integrity of athletics for decades. However, a more insidious problem often flies under the radar: the widespread sexual and psychological abuse of female athletes.

Sexual and psychological abuse in sports is not a new issue, but it has gained more visibility in recent years thanks to brave athletes who have spoken out. High-profile cases, such as the USA Gymnastics scandal involving Larry Nassar, have highlighted the pervasive nature of abuse within sports organizations that often prioritize success and reputation over the safety of their athletes.

However, for every case that garners public attention, countless others go unreported or are mishandled by institutions. Female athletes, in particular, are often at greater risk due to the power dynamics at play in sports, where coaches, team doctors, and other authority figures can exploit their positions.

Despite the grave impact these abuses have on the well-being of athletes, the safeguards intended to protect them are frequently underfunded, ineffective, or ignored altogether. This lack of attention and support leaves many women vulnerable in an environment that should be empowering and safe.

Inadequate Safeguards and Resources

One of the primary issues contributing to the continued prevalence of abuse in women's sports is the lack of adequate funding and enforcement. For example, protocols for reporting abuse are frequently complicated, poorly communicated, or not taken seriously by those in charge. This results in an environment where athletes may feel discouraged from coming forward, fearing retaliation or disbelief.

In fact, only 7% of women disclose the violence they face due to fear of stigmatization, exclusion and reprisal (UNESCO).

The situation is further exacerbated by a focus on other integrity measures within sports, such as anti-doping and anti-match-fixing efforts. While these issues are undoubtedly important, they often receive the lion's share of funding and attention, leaving abuse prevention programs severely lacking. According to reports from UN Women, this imbalance in resource allocation highlights a systemic failure to prioritize the safety and well-being of athletes, particularly women who are already marginalized within the sports world​

The Consequences of Ignoring Abuse

The consequences of ignoring or inadequately addressing abuse in women's sports are profound. Athletes who experience abuse may suffer in silence, enduring the psychological impact while continuing to compete at the highest levels. The emotional and psychological toll of such abuse can be devastating, leading to long-term trauma, depression, and even the premature end of an athlete's career, research found​.

Irish swimmer Karen Leach spoke bravely on the abuse she suffered between the ages of 10 and 17 from former Irish Olympic swimming coach Derry O’Rourke that:

He would do what he wanted to do to me until he was finished, as he would say, “checking my body”. He just had total control over my whole life....I was always running, I was always on high alert, and watching where he was.

The failure to properly address abuse also sends a harmful message to young athletes and the broader sports community. It suggests that the well-being of athletes is secondary to performance and success, creating a toxic environment where abuse is tolerated or minimized. This not only perpetuates the cycle of abuse but also undermines the integrity of sports as a whole.

Final Thoughts:

To protect female athletes from sexual and psychological abuse, a fundamental shift in priorities is required. Sports organizations must recognize that safeguarding athletes is as crucial to the integrity of sports as curbing doping or match-fixing. This means allocating more resources to prevention programs, education, and support services for athletes who have experienced abuse.

Policies and procedures must be clear, accessible, and enforced with rigor. Reporting mechanisms should be streamlined, and athletes should feel confident that their concerns will be taken seriously without fear of retaliation. Additionally, there must be a focus on creating a culture of respect and accountability within sports, where abuse is not tolerated, and all athletes are treated with dignity.

And it is time for sports organizations to prioritize the safety and well-being of all athletes, ensuring that their experiences are defined by their achievements, not by the abuses they endure.