Research indicates that sexual harassment and abuse happen in all sports and at all levels, with a greater prevalence in elite sport. Members of the athlete's entourage who are in positions of power and authority appear to be the primary perpetretators.

 

Research also demonstrates that sexual harassment and abuse in sport seriously and negatively impact athlete's physical and psychological health.

 

Based on this information and its role in promoting and protecting the health of athletes, the IOC Medical Commission (MC) held a conference on "Sexual Harassment & Abuse in Sport in October 2006 in Lausanne.

 

A panel of participants composed of leading sports psychologists, sociologists, psychiatrists and policy experts from around the world and an elite athlete advocate attended to review the scientific literature and to produce guidelines for the prevention of an early intervention in cases of sexual harassment and abuse in sport.

 

Professor Kari Fasting from the Department of Cultural and Social Studies acted as Programme consultant.

 

Professor Kari Fasting, Department of Cultural and Social Studies

Important consensus

Professor Fasting has considerable experience within the field of research on sexual harassment and abuse in sport. 

 

- It is good news that the IOC chooses to confront the issues affiliated with harassment and abuse in sport in a frank and constructive manner, Fasting says.

 

- It is crucial that sport organisations all over the world take into account and follow up the IOC recommendations, she says. 

 

IOC recommendations
The IOC recommendations are based on a Consensus Statement on "Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport" (pdf). All sport organisations should:

 

- develop policies and procedures for the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse;

 

- monitor the implementation of these policies and procedures;

 

- evaluate the impact of these policies in identifying and reducing sexual harassment and abuse;

 

- develop an education and training program on sexual harassment and abuse in their sport(s);

 

- promote and exemplify equitable, respectful and ethical leadership

 

- foster strong partnerships with parents/carers in the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse; and

 

- promote and support scientific research on these issues.