Prevention of sexual and gender harassment and abuse in sports ...

Detailed description of the initiative: What problems were tackled?
Based on their analysis of the documents they studied and the 27 interviews, Parent and
Deners (2010) propose the above over-arching model to prevent sexual abuse in sport. They
highlight the need to tackle the factors which prevent the effective implementation of
safeguarding strategies. At the national level, they recommend the creation of a body to act as
a resource for sporting organisations. This body could design and provide training, conduct
awareness-raising activities and serve as a general reference point. Training is also
recommended for those working at federation and club level. Parent and Deners (2010) also
highlight the need for both external and internal barriers. External barriers relate to the
recruitment of personnel (e.g., background checks, recruitment procedures etc.). Internal
barriers should be set up within organisations to create a positive culture which prevents
sexual abuse (e.g., through policies, training and procedures).
It is argued that the adoption of this model would address the range of factors which detract
from effective implementation of prevention strategies. These include:
1. A negative view of prevention – key stakeholders were found to trivialise the impact
and effectiveness of measures. There was also some concern that the measures would
lead to a perception that there must be an underlying problem;
2. Lack of leadership – abuse prevention was viewed as a low-priority issue, and this view
was reflected in the resources and personnel targeted at prevention;
3. Reactive approach – it often took an actual case to make organisations realise that they
were not equipped to deal with the issue. This resulted in reactive rather than proactive
measures;
4. Little pre-employment screening – it was reported that volunteers were not subjected to
any background checks prior to working with young people;
5. Lack of training for stakeholders – it was observed that participants had not received
any training regarding the prevention of sexual abuse in sport;
6. Unclear interpersonal boundaries – there was a lack of consensus in terms of the kinds
of behaviours which were and were not appropriate;
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