Sport, Child Maltreatment, and Sexual Violence

This chapter introduces and examines the broad area of child maltreatment and sexual violence in the context of sport, with a particular focus on sexual violence against children in sport. The chapter selectively covers some of the key issues, approaches, and debates within research, policy, and administration related to the (sexual) abuse and exploitation of children and athletes. Based in social science perspectives, the chapter covers a range of empirical issues, research findings, and theoretical arguments set within the historical development of a relatively new field of inquiry. In policy terms, developments in child protection and safeguarding in sport are discussed. The chapter closes by offering critical discussion on specific areas of debate within the sport sector in relation to its efforts to address child maltreatment and sexual violence.