Perceptions and Experiences of Sexual Violence Among School-Aged Athletes: Insights from University Athletes
Speaker: Andrea Saenz Olmedo, University of the Basque Country, Spain
Date: Wednesday 12 February 2025
Time: 12pm – 1pm (GMT)
Venue: Online event
Once registered, you will receive a joining link by Tuesday 11 February 2025.
Webinar abstract
According to scientific literature (Fortier et al., 2020; Limpo & Tadrist, 2021), perceptions of sexual violence in sport vary depending on the affected athletes’ sport experiences and the cultural and social contexts in which they participate. This webinar will explore the perceptions and experiences of sexual violence in sport among university athletes, focusing on their school years (ages 6-16). Based on the life stories of ‘survivors’ of sexual violence in Spanish sport, the presentation will explore athletes’ perceptions of inappropriate behaviour and their sense of (un)safety of the sport environment, and analyse how type of sport, gender, and cultural factors influence athletes’ experiences. These experiences provide valuable insights into the complex realities faced by athletes and the systemic changes needed to address these issues effectively. The webinar will encourage attendees to engage in a critical reflection of the findings and draw comparisons with their own knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of this challenging issue. The session will also encourage participants to propose and discuss practical strategies for promoting safer sport environments, highlighting the importance of proactive measures, cultural sensitivity, and education in safeguarding efforts across at all levels of sport.
Speaker Biography
Andrea Saenz Olmedo, University of the Basque Country, Spain
Andrea is a PhD candidate in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at the University of the Basque Country, in Spain. Her research focuses on interpersonal violence in sport, with a particular emphasis on sexual violence among school-age athletes. Andrea holds a Masters degree in research in physical activity and sport sciences. She is currently working with the Basque Government on leading a ‘safe sport’ project that aims to develop safety protocols for sports clubs through a co-creative approach. With experience in qualitative and quantitative research, Andrea has worked closely with ‘survivors’ of violence in sport and is committed to promoting safe and inclusive environments in sport.
International Congress on Safe Sport Research
As part of our links with the Research Chair in Safety and Integrity in Sport (SIMS) at Laval University, Quebec, led by Professor Sylvie Parent, CPSS is pleased to promote the 1st International Congress on Safe Sport Research conference, which will take place from 18-20 June 2025 in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
The conference will bring together academics, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students researching any aspect of safeguarding, child protection, children’s and human rights, violence, abuse and injury prevention across all levels of sport.
Professor Mel Lang is a member of the Scientific Committee for the event, which will feature keynote addresses from: Professor Sylvie Parent of SIMS and Laval University (Quebec), Professor David Finkelhor of the University of New Hampshire (USA), Dr Ashley Stirling of the University of Toronto (Canada), Dr Tine Vertommen of Thomas More University (Belgium), Kirsty Burrows, Head of the International Olympic Committee Safe Sport Unit, and Liz Twyford, sports programmes specialist at UNICEF.
Abstract submissions and registration for the event here: https://www.icssrqc2025.com/en/home
See you in Quebec City!