‍Author, Dr. Yetsa A Tuakli-Wosornu from the Sports Equity Lab has partnered with #WeRideTogether to collaborate and create this athlete-centered IOC Consensus Dissemination Project, which unpacks and elaborates on critical points from the IOC Consensus. The Dissemination Project will provide a 10-part series that highlights key takeaways from the IOC Consensus with visuals, activities, and social content that can be tangibly applied and integrated into sporting communities. This series aligns with the values and mission of both the Sports Equity Lab and #WeRideTogether to promote awareness on the topic of abuse in sports, eliminate inequities in sport, and provide everyone with accessible information on positive values and best practices to keep sports safe and healthy.

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As described in the 2024 IOC Consensus Statement, “IV [interpersonal violence] in sport can cause psychological, behavioural, physical and material damage to athletes, athletes’ entourage and sport organisations” (Tuakli-Wosornu Y. A. et al., 2024, 1327). 

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These harmful outcomes can occur from any type of interpersonal violence in sport, including psychological, physical, and sexual abuse and misconduct, bullying, hazing, discrimination, and neglect. Whether it's a singular incident or chronic, violence in sport can be traumatic, and every victim or athlete may experience different consequences. 

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In the wake of enduring interpersonal violence and trauma, it can be difficult to understand, decode, and communicate feelings, thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. Coping and healing are deeply personal and often not linear, with the path and timeline varying for each individual. Impacts can be felt rippling beyond sport and oneself into relationships, families, school, work, communities, teams, and organizations, affecting so many realms of life. Moreover, when someone we know or love or someone in our community experiences trauma, we may also feel some effects. Such aftermath and effects of experiencing violence and indirect trauma can include: 

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These costly ramifications described provide greater emphasis and rationale for doing everything possible to prevent harm before it occurs and for being equipped to best support victims/survivors. 

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Remember, we never know what someone else may be going through, but we can learn best practices for supporting ourselves and others. 

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Best Practices to Support Ourselves:

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• Engage in self-care! Check in with yourself and ask yourself what you need. Self-care is not selfish; it is essential and sustaining. 
• Practice healthy boundaries! Setting and holding boundaries serve and protect us by literally, emotionally, and energetically upholding healthy and sustainable relationships.
• Advocate for yourself! If something doesn't feel right or you need to make a change, speak up for your needs and take action. 

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Best Practices to Support Survivors:

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• Be trauma-informed! Learn the essentials of a trauma-informed response and how to put safety first. 
• Develop an understanding of what to say! Building skills and awareness on how to truly be there for someone and respond well can go a long way. 
• Stay long-term! Support isn’t just for the short-term but is ongoing; learn how to be a continuous ally. 

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Activity‍

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Watch these videos and/or listen to these podcasts to enhance your education and awareness of survivorship in sport. 

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Find the podcast episodes on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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If you or someone you know needs support, please visit our Crisis Resources or Resources for assistance.

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Kathryn McClain, MSW, MBA

Program and Partnerships Director at #WeRideTogether

kmcclain@weridetogether.today

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References

Tuakli-Wosornu Y.A., Burrows K., Fasting K., et al. (2024). IOC consensus statement: interpersonal violence and safeguarding in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 58:1322-1344. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2024-108766