Child abuse in sport education contexts

Most countries recognise four forms of child abuse – physical abuse, psychological/emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect – although definitions of these vary. This entry provides definitions of child abuse used in sport education with examples to illustrate particular behaviours that constitute abuse in this context. It also provides data on the prevalence of child abuse in sport and identifies who is most at risk of being abused. Data on what is known about perpetrators are also discussed, as well as the short- and long-term consequences of being abused as a child in sport for those affected and for sports organisations. Finally, it describes how the culture in sport education contributes to the occurrence and concealment of child abuse.