Berlin, May 23, 2022: The sports sector is woefully vulnerable to sextortion, according to a new report published today by Transparency International. Hierarchical structures and entrenched sexism are among the factors that lead to widespread sexual abuse in all sports and regions of the world. Following the many stories that have come to light in sports from gymnastics to football to tennis in recent years, Transparency International is publishing this report to shed light on the causes and provide recommendations to governments and sports organizations on how to end the abuse.
Ready, steady… Stop!: Understanding and Stopping Sextortion in Sport focuses on sextortion – the abuse of power for sexual gain, a form of sexual abuse and corruption. Many instances of gender-based violence in sport can be viewed as sextortion because authority figures demand sexual advantages in order to make decisions about team placement, tournament participation and scholarship awards.
Supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, this report includes case studies from many countries including Germany, Mexico, Romania and Zimbabwe to present the widespread nature of sexual abuse as a problem affecting all sport in all regions affects the world. In Germany, a survey of top athletes found that one in three athletes experienced sexual violence, with women being even more likely to be victims.
The report found that a hypermasculine culture and resistance to external regulation or investigation encourage sextorsion in sport. With leadership positions almost exclusively held by men, ‘old boys’ clubs’ protect the status quo and allow those in power to exploit those in vulnerable situations – including women, people with disabilities and the LGBTQ community. They also reinforce a widespread culture of silence and impunity. The lack of independent oversight, combined with a cultural environment that encourages athletes to tolerate abuse and put their team or results above their own well-being, makes it difficult for survivors to report abuse. The close relationships between coaches and athletes blur boundaries, obscure abuse and deter reporting. When athletes speak up, they are often treated with suspicion or contempt and may face retaliation.
Sylvia Schenk, approxHaar from the Sport working group at Transparency Germany said:
“The lack of oversight and accountability at all levels of sports organizations leaves athletes vulnerable. As we follow the excitement at the French Open, we cannot forget the players who are missing after being sexually abused. From China’s Peng Shuai, whose alleged attack was covered up by a senior government official, to the US’s Kylie McKenzie, who has lost a chance to compete after being subjected to prolonged harassment and abuse by her federation-appointed trainer – lots too many have experienced the consequences of a sexist and exploitative system.”
The report identifies weaknesses in sports organizations’ systems. Many have failed to develop adequate internal abuse prevention, detection and reporting mechanisms. Organizations also lack the ability to investigate abuse due to insufficient resources, capacity and expertise, and questionable independence of investigators.
To prevent abuse, sports organizations and governments must act. The first line of defense is preventing abuse before it happens, with a transparent culture and strong prevention frameworks, including education about sextortion and other sexual abuse, and the broader effects of sexism. Organizations must promote leadership for women and underprivileged communities to end the concentration of power among men and the culture of objectification. The report also calls for more effective reporting mechanisms, independent investigations and clear sanctions regimes for sextortion at all levels. In return, governments must do their part to regulate organizations and use financial incentives to encourage stronger policies.
Marie Chene, mResearch Director at Transparency International said:
“It is time to change the culture of silence and impunity for all forms of abuse in sport. Sports organisations, governments and civil society must take abuse seriously and act now to stop sextortion. Tackling sexism and promoting the participation of athletes – especially women – in decision-making and governance are crucial. Everyone, regardless of gender, should have the right to play sport safely without fear of sextortion.”
Notes for editors:
For press inquiries please contact:
Secretariat of Transparency International
Transparency Germany
Adrian Nennich: +49 30 54 98 98 15, [email protected]
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