REPORTS ON ABUSE & NEGLECT OF ATHLETES
CHILD USA Athlete Abuse and Neglect Reports
CHILD USA’s Game Over Commission Report
CHILD USA’s Game Over Commission released the only fully independent review of the systemic failures that enabled Larry Nassar’s abuse of so many girls.
This groundbreaking case-study not only sets a new standard for understanding systemic child sexual abuse, but also provides substantial recommendations to protect children and prevent abuse.
CHILD USA’s Game Over Commission Report Recommendations
CHILD USA’s Game Over Commission released the only fully independent review of the systemic failures that enabled Larry Nassar’s abuse of so many girls.
This one-pager outlines the recommendations for institutions such as athletic teams and clubs, federal and state governments, and law enforcement so that we can protect future generations of children.
Report on Needed Systemic Reform in the Olympic System to Deal with and Prevent Athlete Abuse in Support of Testimony Regarding the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the Inadequate Protection of Youth Athletes from Child Sex Abuse in the Olympic System with Five Specific Recommendations
The existing Olympic system addressing the abuse of athletes requires adjustments to be more effective in reaching its goals. Athletes suffer from sex abuse, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. This Report outlines proposed systemic reform, which addresses all three forms of abuse and creates a more transparent and accountable system that will aid in greater protection of athletes through a fair process and in a trauma-informed way. Overall, we recommend a more athlete-centered system that speeds investigation times, decisions, and accountability, inserts a fair process for the athletes, and is transparent to the public.
Five Key Findings of the Elite Athlete Survey
By: Marci A. Hamilton, Esq., CEO
Carter E. Timon, MBDS, Lead Social Science Researcher
Child Sexual Abuse of Elite Athletes: Prevalence, Perceptions, and Mental Health
Despite a series of high-profile media reports of sexual abuse in sport over the past few years, little research has been done to explore the scope of the problem in the United States. The current article reports on prevalence of child sexual assault in elite athletes in the United States. Using a retrospective web survey, adults answered questions on their experiences in sport. Of the 473 elite athletes surveyed, 3.8% (n = 18) reported being sexual assaulted as a minor in the sporting context. Of those reporting assault, most (61%) reported being abused by an adult authority figure (usually a coach) and 44% reported being assaulted by a peer. Abused athletes were significantly more likely to report having been diagnosed with a mental disorder (Fisher’s exact test; p < .001). The findings can be utilized to improve prevention and child protection measures and other safeguarding initiatives in sport.