| dc.description.abstract | In its role of promoting and protecting the health of the athlete, the IOC Medical Commission recognises all the rights of athletes, including the right to enjoy a safe and supportive sport environment. It is in such conditions that athletes are most likely to flourish and optimise their sporting performance. Sexual harassment and abuse are violations of human rights, regardless of cultural setting, that damage both individual and organisational health. While it is well known that sport offers significant potential for personal and social benefits, this potential is undermined where such problems occur. Sexual harassment and abuse occur worldwide. In sport, they give rise to suffering for athletes and others, and to legal, financial and moral liabilities for sport organisations. No sport is immune to these problems which occur at every performance level. Everyone in sport shares the responsibility to identify and prevent sexual harassment and abuse and to develop a culture of dignity, respect and safety in sport. Sport organisations, in particular, are gatekeepers to safety and should demonstrate strong leadership in identifying and eradicating these practices. A healthy sport system that empowers athletes can contribute to the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse inside and outside sport.
This document summarises current scientific knowledge about the different forms of sexual harassment and abuse, the risk factors that might alert the sport community to early intervention and the myths that deflect attention from these problems. It also proposes a set of recommendations for awareness raising, policy development and implementation, education and prevention, and enhancement of good practice. | en_US |
