Sexual abuse cases often make headlines when they are reported.
Very sadly, the situations are woefully under-reported and not as
rare as the headlines imply. A wide range of forms of maltreatment
exists in sport. Maltreatment can have far-reaching effects on an
athlete's physical, psychological, social and spiritual health.
Maltreatment is an umbrella term including all forms of sexual,
physical, and psychological abuse, bullying, neglect, harassment
and discrimination.1 Maltreatment involves an act or omission
resulting in or having the potential to result in harm.2
Although not universally defined, "Safe Sport" emerged to
address all forms of maltreatment while promoting physical and
psychological welfare. Safe Sport policies aim to create
environments where individuals can thrive and perform without fear
of maltreatment. Notably, concerns about Safe Sport extend not only
to athletes but also coaches, officials, and volunteers.
