IOC consensus statement: interpersonal violence and safeguarding in sport

Yetsa A Tuakli-Wosornu, Kirsty Burrows, Kari Fasting, Mike Hartill, Ken Hodge, Keith Kaufman, Emma Kavanagh, Sandra L Kirby, Jelena G MacLeod, Margo Mountjoy, Sylvie Parent, Minhyeok Tak, Tine Vertommen, Daniel J A Rhind

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (journal)peer-review

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Abstract

Objective
Interpersonal violence (IV) in sport is challenging to define, prevent and remedy due to its subjectivity and complexity. The 2024 International Olympic Committee Consensus on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding aimed to synthesise evidence on IV and safeguarding in sport, introduce a new conceptual model of IV in sport and offer more accessible safeguarding guidance to all within the sports ecosystem by merging evidence with insights from Olympic athletes.
Methods
A 15-member expert panel performed a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodologies. A seminal works-driven approach was used to identify relevant grey literature. Four writing groups were established focusing on: definitions/epidemiology, individual/interpersonal determinants, contextual determinants and solutions. Writing groups developed referenced scientific summaries related to their respective topics, which were discussed by all members at the consensus meeting. Recommendations were then developed by each group, presented as voting statements and circulated for confidential voting following a Delphi protocol with ≥80% agreement defined a priori as reaching consensus.
Results
Of 48 voting statements, 21 reached consensus during first-round voting. Second-round and third-round voting saw 22 statements reach consensus, 5 statements get discontinued and 2 statements receive minority dissension after failing to reach agreement. A total of 43 statements reached consensus, presented as overarching (n=5) and topical (n=33) consensus recommendations, and actionable consensus guidelines (n=5).
Conclusion
This evidence review and consensus process elucidated the characterisation and complexity of IV and safeguarding in sport and demonstrates that a whole-of-system approach is needed to fully comprehend and prevent IV. Sport settings that emphasise mutual care, are athlete centred, promote healthy relationships, embed trauma-informed and violence-informed care principles, integrate diverse perspectives and measure IV prevention and response effectiveness will exemplify safe sport. A shared responsibility between all within the sports ecosystem is required to advance effective safeguarding through future research, policy and practice.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1322-1344
Number of pages23
JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine
Volume58
Issue number22
Early online date28 Nov 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 28 Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Sport
  • Abuse
  • Interpersonal violence
  • safeguarding and child protection
  • sexual harrassment
  • Delphi study

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