Overview of Gender-Based Violence in Sport - Executive Summary

This literature review on Gender-Based Violence was conducted for the Gender+ Equity in Sport in Canada Research Hub to serve as a foundational report for strategic research priorities development.

The review took place from July 2020 to September 2020.

Initial results from this search included 750 articles. These articles were reviewed and limited by year (2000-2020), English language, and populations based in North America, Europe, or Australia. Articles were removed included sport for development, sport as a means for violence prevention (e.g., boxing for female and trans empowerment), were not relevant to sport. or pertained to HIV and AIDS prevention. After abstract reviews and duplicates removed and a total of 56 articles were included. Grey literature was additionally explored after this process by browsing organizations websites and google searches on gender-based violence in sport

Key Findings

· High prevalence of Gender-Based Violence in sport

o Disproportionate rates of violence for female athletes

· Culture can influence the prevalence and experiences of GBV

o For example, the hegemonic masculinity perpetuated throughout sport

· Initiatives for addressing and preventing GBV are most effective when targeting cultural norms and beliefs

Top Research Gaps

· Influence of intersectional identities on occurrence, experience, intervention and prevention of gender-based violence

· Prevalence data of all populations & levels of sport

· Understanding culture change – what is required for individuals, coaches, athletes, leaders, and organizations to change practices?

· Prevalence, nature, intervention and prevention of peer-to-peer GBV

· Athletes’ perspectives on GBV prevention & intervention

Application: Priority Questions or Next Steps

· Using an ecological approach, there are several key components that need to be addressed:

o Culture

§ Creating a culture change

§ Aligning sport norms with broader societal norms

o Organizational Considerations

§ Organizational change

§ Education implementation, different reward system, policy enforcement

o Interpersonal Considerations

§ Qualitative studies with athletes, coaches, and leaders through an intersectional lens

· Understanding the nature of their experiences, perceptions of cultural norms, roles and responsibilities

o Individual Considerations

§ Prevalence data at pre-national levels of sport, inclusive of all facets of GBV, and using an intersectional lens