How should we ensure that children are safeguarded in gymnastics?

Abstract

Gymnastics has had multiple abuse scandals involving the USA, Australia, Europe and the UK [1]. These involve allegations of sexual abuse. In the UK, we are currently awaiting publication of the Whyte Report, an independent review looking into gymnasts’ wellbeing and welfare as well as safeguarding issues [2].

A U.K. prevalence survey surveying 6000 participants in youth sports [3] – up to 75% of the individuals they studied reported experiencing emotional abuse as well sexual harassment (29%), physical abuse (24%), sexual abuse (3%). A lifetime prevalence estimate of all three types of interpersonal violence in elite athletes is about 24% with psychological abuse being most prevalent