Child Abuse in Sport: European Statistics

Background Recent years have seen unprecedented attention on the abuse of children and athletes in sport with high profile cases of abuse in a number of sports. Strategic responses are critical and must be informed by robust evidence on the scale and nature of the maltreatment of children in sport. The CASES project was designed to support this endeavour by making a significant contribution to knowledge of this issue. Objectives The project aimed to provide evidence on the prevalence of abuse and neglect (or interpersonal violence) experienced by children (under 18s) in sport, across different national contexts with Europe. The study aimed to collect scientifically robust data to provide insights relevant for strategic efforts to prevent abuse in sport. It also aimed to develop resources for the sport sector that will support sport organisations of all sizes to share the findings with their members. Implementation A partnership of 10 organisations delivered the project. An online questionnaire for young adults (18-30) in 6 European countries who had participated in youth sport investigated prevalence rates for physical, sexual & psychological violence and neglect inside and outside sport. Statistical analyses were conducted and findings were written up in a series of reports. Key findings were also communicated through a series of events and via other resources for the sport sector. Achievements Overall, approximately 75% of respondents reported having had at least one experience of interpersonal violence inside sport before age 18. The most common experience was psychological violence (65%); followed by physical violence (44%); neglect (37%); and non-contact sexual violence (35%); the least common experience inside sport was contact sexual violence (20%). It was also found that 85% of respondents rated their overall experience of sport as either ‘good' or 'very good'.