Gender-based violence (GBV) in sport is an issue too often hidden behind the glamour of athletic performance and the pursuit of excellence. But in December 2024, UNESCO and the European Union hosted a significant event that brought survivor voices to the fore in a powerful way: a panel discussion and the screening of the documentary SUITE: Les violences sexuelles dans le milieu de l’athlétisme. (UNESCO, 2025).

This gathering wasn’t just symbolic. It marked a clear turning point in global efforts to build safe sport ecosystems — integrating lived experiences into policy, demanding meaningful reform, and pushing institutions to listen, act, and change. In this article, we explore success stories and lessons learned from survivors, advocates, and institutions dedicated to preventing violence in sport.

The documentary, created by the former professional athlete and activist Emma Oudiou, gives voice to elite athletes who share painful stories of abuse, while highlighting the courage and strength it takes for them to speak out.  Oudiou’s own journey, from athlete to advocate, underscores the critical truth: survivor narratives are not merely testimonials — they are encouragement for transformation. She emphasised that integrating survivor perspectives into sports governance helps shape safer, more responsive, and equitable policies. 

During the panel, speakers called for systemic reform. They outlined how institutions must prioritise reporting mechanisms, education, and accountability — not just performance. As Emma put it, athletes’ well-being must never be sacrificed for winning. Dr. Yetsa Tuakli-Wosornu, both a former athlete and academic, stressed the urgency of developing common definitions and concrete data systems: only then can we truly understand the scope of abuse, compare across countries, and craft effective prevention strategies. 

Central to this work is UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative. Its “10-point Call to Action” outlines priority areas — from measurement and participatory policy-making to safeguarding, education, and advocacy. The event also resonated with legislative efforts around the world: for example, Brazil’s Lei Maranhão was praised as a model for increasing survivor reporting and accountability. 

It’s not just about policy. The power of SUITE lies in its humanity: hearing survivor stories disrupts silence, challenges stigma, and builds momentum for change. As one featured athlete, Sarah Fofana-Koutouan, said, the film is “a cry of truth, but also a call to action” — urging us to listen not only with our eyes, but “with our hearts and our humanity.” By centering survivor voices, SUITE does more than recount pain — it becomes a vehicle for transformation. 

One core takeaway from the panel and related events is that prevention must begin with education. Oudiou and other panellists stressed that all stakeholders — athletes, coaches, administrators, parents — need training and capacity-building to understand what abuse looks like, how to report it, and how to support survivors. 

This kind of education also targets power dynamics: in many sports, the coach-athlete relationship is deeply imbalanced. The panel called for safe reporting channels and independent mechanisms, so athletes can speak up without fear of retaliation or retribution. 

This multi-stakeholder event points toward a hopeful future: one where institutions partner with survivors, where data informs policy, and where sport becomes a safe field for all. But the journey is far from over. To truly prevent GBV e in sport, we must continue to elevate voices, build systems, and demand accountability — together.

References:

Empowering Athlete & Survivor Voices: UNESCO and the EU team up to host panel and documentary screening on Ending Violence Against Women in Sport. (2025, January 13). https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/empowering-athlete-survivor-voices-unesco-and-eu-team-host-panel-and-documentary-screening-ending 

Towards a safer playing field: tackling violence against women and girls in sport. (2024, April 24). https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/towards-safer-playing-field-tackling-violence-against-women-and-girls-sport 

Advancing Action Against Gender-Based Violence in Sport

The SportGVP project consortium gathered for its final meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark to reflect on two years of impactful collaboration dedicated to mapping and tackling gender-based violence (GBV) in sport in the partnering countries. Hosted alongside the MOVE Congress, the event marked the finale of research, capacity-building, and awareness-raising efforts that have shaped new strategies and tools to create safer, more inclusive sports environments across Europe.

Led by the University of Nicosia (Cyprus) and coordinated with partners from Denmark (ISCA), Greece (KMOP), Italy (CESIE ETS), Cyprus (CARDET), and North Macedonia (TAKT), the SportGVP project puts forward a holistic approach to understanding and preventing GBV as both an expression and a cause of gender inequality in sport.

Through the research phase, the consortium – led by CESIE ETS – carried out desk and field studies in all partner countries. The findings revealed that while national legal frameworks exist, implementation gaps, patriarchal norms, and underreporting remain common challenges. The research highlighted that women and LGBTQIA+ athletes are particularly vulnerable, calling for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and intersectional interventions.

Building on these insights, KMOP led the development of the SportGVP Training Package—a complete set of learning resources designed to empower sport professionals, coaches, and administrators to recognise, prevent, and respond to GBV. The package includes:

• Curriculum for sport professionals, staff and executives on GBV and Sport;
• Toolkit for Sport professionals, officers, practitioners and stakeholders on GBV and Sport;
• Guide on Prevention Policies and Practices for Sport Officers & Executives.

All materials have been tested through national blended-learning workshops, showing a 90% satisfaction rate among participants for their effectiveness in promoting safer and more inclusive sporting environments.

Gamified e-Learning Platform is Now Live

A major milestone of the project’s sustainability efforts is the SportGVP e-learning platform – a free, multilingual, online resource available in English, Greek, Italian, and Macedonian. Developed by the project with the lead of CARDET, the platform combines education and empowerment with gamified learning tools to engage users and promote a deeper understanding of GBV issues in sport.

The platform hosts the entire Training Package, offering six interactive modules and additional resources (i.e. guide and toolkit) for sports professionals, educators, sport officers and executives in understanding GBV in the first place, on how to set up a safe and inclusive environment, as well as in setting prevention policies – just to name a few of the list of essential topics included in the Training Package. 

Register now and take the course at: 

https://sportgvp.eu/elearning/training-package/curriculum-on-gender-based-violence-in-sport/

Throughout the project, a coordinated dissemination effort raised awareness across Europe through campaigns, InfoDay workshops, newsletters, and the final meeting, held as part of the MOVE Congress, the largest grassroots sports themes congress in the world. 

The SportGVP project has proven that tackling gender-based violence in sport requires both knowledge and commitment. Its results – now accessible through the e-learning platform and publications on www.sportgvp.eu – invite every coach, sports leader, and policymaker to join the movement for safer, more equal sport.

“Sport can and must be a driver for equality. Through SportGVP, we have created the tools to make that vision real,” concluded SportGVP Consortium unanimously in the closing section of the meeting.

Sports & Gender-Based Violence. Are there cases of gender-based violence in sports ? To what extent have the EU institutions and Member States taken action to ensure equality and combat gender-based violence (GBV) in sport? And the most important question: Can sport act as a catalyst for policy reform and societal change, as a critical avenue for addressing gender-based violence?

Sport as an agent of change

The first references to sports were found in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) as outlined in the Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting ithin the Council on the key features of a European Sport Model (2021). More specifically:

Article 6 of the TFEU refers to sport as an area where action at EU level should support, coordinate and supplement the actions of Member States.

According to Article 165.1 of the TFEU, “the Union shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function”.

According to Article 165.2 of the TFEU (2008), Union action shall be aimed at “developing the European dimension in sport, by promoting fairness and openness in sporting competitions and cooperation between bodies responsible for sports, and by protecting the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen, especially the youngest sportsmen and sportswomen”.

In the years that followed, each Member State has adopted and implemented respective initiatives and policies to address GBV in sports. For example,

In the Netherlands, among other initiatives, in 2011, the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport issued the policy “A Safe and Respectful Sport Environment: 2011-2016”. The policy adopts a zero-tolerance approach to (sexual) harassment, abuse and other forms of unethical conduct across sport. The policy promotes cooperation between organised sports, local government and the police-, the judicial and welfare system in order to encourage all stakeholders to take responsibility for creating a safe and secure sports environment.

In 2012, in Belgium, a commitment statement was signed to protect children’s physical and sexual integrity in sport. However, the most important action arising from this statement was the development of a policy framework on the prevention of sexual harassment and abuse of children in sport, which was implemented by non-governmental organisations.

In Italy, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2013, establishing the organisation of a “sport week against gender-based violence in and through sport” on an annual basis. Various events have been held to promote so-called ‘healthy’ sport, including initiatives to raise awareness of GBV in sport. The Italian Association Sport for All (UISP) and the Italian Sports Centre (CSI) joined the Save the Children campaign (‘Adults in Place’) by adopting a policy for the protection of children in sport. This policy provided:

• specific criteria for recruiting appropriate staff,
• the adoption of a Code of Conduct that is recognised and signed by all adults working with children,
• sensitisation campaigns about the rights and protection of children, and
• an assessment of the risk of abuse in sport

In 2014, the Croatian Olympic Committee issued the National Sports Programme (2014- 2020), with the aim of addressing concerns about protecting women and girls from all forms of violence (including sexual violence in sport).

In Austria, a position statement and a joint declaration to fight sexual violence in sport and to implement measures for respect and safety in sport were signed in late 2015. A National Action Plan on Gender Equality in Sport was also developed.

In 2016, Denmark endorsed the use of the so-called Children’s Certificate as a way of ensuring paid and voluntary staff recruited in the sector are suitable to work with children. It also set up a disciplinary task force and referral system to deal with ongoing and closed cases of sexual abuse in sport.

According to a European Commission’s Final Report of the Study on GBV in sport published in 2016, “in EU Member States the concept of ‘GBV e’ is largely unknown or not widely used in the context of sport. In general, people do not know or understand which forms of behaviour the concept refers to (includes or excludes)”. The study also points out that “no uniform legal framework exists to address gender-based violence in sport. There is no sport-specific legal framework to prosecute GBV that occurs within sport in any Member State country. Rather, sport legislation, where it exists, generally refers to the promotion of ethical values and fair play, condemns (all forms of) violence and harassment, and encourages measures to prevent and combat (all forms of) violence.”.

On the EU side, an important step was taken in 2021. A Council resolution on a European Sport Model is issued, calling on Member States, the Commission and the sports movement to respect and promote fundamental and human rights in and through sport.

At the same time, the Parliament adopted a resolution on ‘EU sports policy: assessment and possible ways forward’, calling for equal pay and greater visibility for women. The resolution called on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that sports policy and legislation support gender equality, with particular attention to tackling all forms of violence and harassment, gender stereotypes, low visibility and media coverage.

In a 2022 resolution, Parliament also stressed the pivotal role of sports clubs and federations in addressing racism and promoting equality, and noted that sport, and team sport in particular, is a driver of social inclusion, equality and the promotion of EU values.

It is worth noting that, in the context of a 2022 Eurobarometer survey, three-quarters (75 %) of respondents agreed that GBV in sport deserved more attention.

Therefore, with regard to the EU’s response to this issue so far:

In 2023, the Council adopted conclusions on “Women and equality in the field of sport”, acknowledging that abuse, sexual harassment and violence against women and girls, including in the digital arena, as well as gender stereotyping and sexism, remain major concerns in the sports sector. They also noted that treatment of women in sport is often based on gender stereotypes or is sexualised and sexist. The Council put forward recommendations to strengthen and mainstream gender equality and to combat gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination in sport.

In 2024, the Council of Sports Ministers approved the new EU work plan for sport (2024-2027), which includes the prevention of harassment, abuse and violence. The goal, according to the plan, was to implement the content of the previous conclusions, action plans, and recommendations. Measures against GBV include: implementing educational and prevention programmes at all levels, getting sports leaders and organisations to commit to ending sexual harassment and violence, collecting data to measure the extent of the problem and the efficacy of prevention initiatives, setting up whistleblowing mechanisms and appointing safeguarding officers to handle complaints, and promoting the exchange of best practice to prevent violence in sport. In the EU work plan for sport, awareness-raising, exchange of best practices and knowledge-building are mentioned as goals to be achieved by the target date of 2025.

Conclusion

To conclude, until a few years ago, the only reference we found on the issue of GBV in sport was related to the key role that sport plays in the social, cultural and educational life of EU citizens, promoting values such as democracy, respect, solidarity, diversity and equality. Several efforts have been made by the EU member states to develop more efficient and effective approaches to combating GBV in sport, but according to the European Commission’s Final Report, entitled Study On Gender-Based Violence in Sport, published in 2016 identified a lack of reliable prevalence and incidence data on the subject. This knowledge gap was explained by an underestimation of the problem, a lack of research in the area, the sensitivity of the topic and the use of differing definitions and methodologies. Nevertheless, significant steps have been taken by the EU to place the issue of GBV on the European agenda.

References

European Commission’s Final Report. Study on Gender-Based Violence in Sport (2016) https://sport.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/gender-based-violence-sport-study-2016_en.p df

Laaninen, T. & European Parliamentary Research Service. Discrimination and gender-based violence in sport [Report] (2024). https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2024/766268/EPRS_ATA(2024)766 268_EN.pdf

Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting ithin the Council on the key features of a European Sport Model (2021)

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=oj:JOC_2021_501_R_0001

An intercultural, intersectional approach for sport

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights violation that affects people of all genders and backgrounds. It is rooted not only in unequal power relations and harmful gender norms but also in intersecting systems of discrimination. Addressing GBV in diverse communities, therefore, requires approaches that are not only gender-sensitive but also intercultural and intersectional. This means recognising cultural differences, understanding how multiple forms of oppression interact, and ensuring that prevention and response strategies are accessible, inclusive and effective. (UN Women, 2023; FRA, 2024)

This means that experiences of violence cannot be understood solely through gender; they must be seen in relation to race, class, disability, sexual orientation, migration status and any other social identity. Similarly, intercultural perspectives emphasise dialogue, respect and sensitivity to cultural values and practices when engaging with communities.

Sport is a setting where GBV can occur and a powerful platform for prevention and transformation. From grassroots clubs to professional arenas, sports can reproduce exclusion and violence, but they also have the potential to challenge stereotypes, build solidarity and promote safe and inclusive environments. Therefore, an intercultural and intersectional approach is essential to ensure that sport-based initiatives addressing GBV are effective and equitable. (SPORT GVP Curriculum).

What makes a community diverse?

The term diverse communities goes beyond ethnicity and culture. It encompasses groups defined by language, religion, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age and migration status. These overlapping dimensions shape both vulnerabilities to GBV and access to support services. (UN Women, 2022)

For example, refugee women may face language barriers and fear of authorities when reporting abuse. LGBTQIA+ athletes often experience homophobic or transphobic harassment within sport settings. Persons with disabilities may be excluded from sport programmes or subjected to abuse by caregivers. An intersectional perspective (Crenshaw, 1989) highlights how these multiple layers of discrimination interact, making certain groups particularly vulnerable to GBV in sport.

Manifestations of GBV across contexts

• Migrant and refugee communities often encounter GBV in the form of sexual exploitation, trafficking or domestic violence, compounded by precarious legal status and limited access to safe reporting mechanisms (UNHCR, 2022).
• LGBTQIA+ communities face unique risks, including corrective rape, hate crimes and institutional discrimination, often leaving survivors without adequate protection (FRA, 2020).
• Persons with disabilities are two to three times more likely to experience intimate partner violence and often rely on caregivers who may themselves be perpetrators (WHO, 2021).
• Communities in socio-economically deprived areas may experience higher levels of domestic and economic violence, with limited resources to access shelters or legal support.

Recognising these specific manifestations is crucial for designing targeted and inclusive responses.

Sport as a tool for prevention and inclusion

An intercultural approach requires engaging with communities through culturally appropriate communication, mediation and awareness-raising. It also involves training practitioners to respect cultural and religious sensitivities while upholding human rights standards, as outlined in the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention (2011). Intercultural work avoids imposing solutions and instead builds trust through dialogue and collaboration.

An intersectional approach thus requires recognising how overlapping identities intensify experiences of GBV. For instance, a young migrant woman with a disability may face multiple layers of vulnerability that remain invisible if each factor is considered separately. The UN Women’s Intersectionality Resource Guide and Toolkit (2022) stresses the need to design services that reflect these complex realities, ensuring survivors are not excluded because of their unique profiles. Both approaches converge in their emphasis on inclusivity, adaptability and community participation. They acknowledge that survivors are not passive recipients of aid but active agents whose voices must shape prevention and response strategies.

Sport holds significant potential to combat GBV when approached intentionally:

• Intercultural dimension: Sport creates spaces where people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds come together. Grassroots clubs that welcome migrant and refugee youth can promote integration, build trust, and reduce isolation. When combined with awareness activities, sport becomes a vehicle for intercultural dialogue on gender equality and respect.
• Intersectional inclusion: Addressing GBV through sport requires tailored strategies. A migrant girl may need culturally sensitive outreach to feel safe joining a team. An LGBTQIA+ athlete may benefit from visible anti-discrimination policies within a club. Persons with disabilities require accessible infrastructure and inclusive coaching methods. Intersectional approaches ensure that prevention programmes meet these diverse needs.
• Education through sport: Sport can be an entry point for discussing sensitive topics like healthy relationships, consent, and respect. Youth-led initiatives that link sport with peer education have proven effective in raising awareness and challenging harmful norms.

Conclusion

Addressing GBV in diverse communities requires moving beyond standardised solutions. Intercultural and intersectional approaches provide the tools to understand the complexity of survivors’ experiences and design  relevant, inclusive and respectful interventions. Policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders must work together to ensure that services are accessible to all, regardless of their cultural background, identity, or socio-economic status.

Combating GBV in diverse communities is about protecting survivors and  transforming societies towards greater equity and justice. Recognising diversity as a resource rather than a barrier is essential to building a safe and inclusive environment where all individuals can live free from violence, and sport can play a pivotal role in this transformation.

References

Council of Europe (2011). Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention).

Council of Europe (2021). Safe Sport Project: Putting an end to sexual violence against children in sport.

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex. University of Chicago Legal Forum.

European Commission (2022). Study on Gender-Based Violence in Sport.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (2020). EU LGBTI II Survey.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (2024). EU survey on gender-based violence against women and other forms of inter-personal violence – Key results.

UNHCR (2022). Gender-Based Violence in Refugee Settings.

UN Women (2019). Sport for Generation Equality.

UN Women (2022). Intersectionality Resource Guide and Toolkit.

UN Women & UNESCO (2023). Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport: A Handbook.

WHO (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018.

Introduction

Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in sport requires more than isolated interventions; it calls for sustainable partnerships that create long-term cultural change. Sport is not only a site of competition but also a powerful platform for shaping values, building communities, and challenging deeply rooted social norms. Establishing sustainable partnerships—between sport organisations, policymakers, educators, and communities—is critical in preventing violence, promoting equality, and creating safe spaces where all individuals can prosper (IOC, 2016).

Visibility and Awareness Raising: Putting GBV in the Spotlight

The foundation of building sustainable partnerships is making GBV in sport visible and impossible to ignore. Thus, the influence of sports extends far beyond the boundaries of the organisation itself. Capitalising on the popularity of athletes and sporting events offers a powerful platform to challenge harmful social norms and promote respect (UN Women, 2024). This includes:

• Raising awareness of the unacceptability of GBV.
• Collaborating with community-based initiatives to address and dismantle stereotypes, discrimination and harmful norms.
• Involving athletes and other prominent figures as role models in prevention strategies.

Collaborating with local and global networks can amplify these efforts, demonstrating the shared responsibility of the sports community in driving societal change. 

The Sport GVP project stresses that visibility and awareness are essential for mobilising action and inspiring collective responsibility (Sport GVP Project, 2025a). Sport professionals, coaches, and leaders are not only guardians of performance but also educators and role models. Their voices carry influence in dismantling harmful stereotypes and reshaping environments into safe, inclusive spaces (Sport GVP Project, 2025b).

The visibility agenda is best advanced through a comprehensive approach (detailed review is available in SportGVP Project guide, 2025a):

• Digital Media Campaigns: Social media provides a unique platform to amplify survivor stories, share infographics, and showcase organisational commitments to safe sport. Hashtags like #SportGVP or #PreventingViοlenceInAndThrοughSpοrt unify campaigns, while partnerships with athletes and influencers who advocate for a safe sports environment can further amplify the message. Dedicated websites and newsletters further act as hubs for resources, reporting mechanisms, and success stories.
• On-Site Campaigns: Face-to-face engagement remains irreplaceable. Workshops, seminars, and Safe Sport Days help communities confront GBV directly (ie. Policy Roundtable: Towards a Safer Playing Field – Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls in Sport organised by UNESCO in 2024, or the Workshop on Safeguarding in Sports, both organised by UNESCO in 2024 and 2025 respectively). These events not only raise awareness but also empower athletes and parents with practical tools to recognise and respond to violence (Mountjoy et al, 2016).
• Community Engagement: Awareness becomes sustainable when rooted in community partnerships. Schools, grassroots clubs, and local NGOs can adapt messages to cultural contexts, ensuring relevance and impact (UNESCO, 2020).
• Educational Programmes: Structured lesson plans, as outlined in the Sport GVP Toolkit, provide opportunities to confront stereotypes, practice bystander interventions, and reflect on how GBV affects athletes’ mental health, performance, and dignity.

Awareness raising is not a one-time campaign; it is a process of reshaping culture. By making GBV visible, organisations help break the silence, reduce stigma, and normalise the idea that violence has no place in sport (UN Women, 2023).

Building Sustainable Partnerships

Partnerships for long-term change must go beyond visibility. They need to be strategic, inclusive, and resilient:

1. Institutional Partnerships
   Collaborations between sport organisations and policymakers ensure that anti-GBV measures are embedded in law and policy. For example, EU directives and the Istanbul Convention establish a clear legal framework that organisations can align with, creating consistency across countries (Council of Europe, 2011).
2. Cross-Sector Collaboration
   Sustainable change happens when sport connects with education, healthcare, law enforcement, and advocacy networks. By engaging mental health professionals, legal aid providers, and crisis centers, partnerships create comprehensive support systems for survivors (Sport GVP Project, 2025b).
3. Capacity Building Within Sport
   Internal partnerships—such as establishing “experts’ teams within the team”—equip clubs with trained advocates who act as first responders, mentors, and educators (Sport GVP Project, 2025a). This approach embeds expertise directly into organisational culture, ensuring continuity even when leadership changes.
4. Community-Based Partnerships
   Localised efforts are crucial. Working with schools, youth groups, and grassroots clubs ensures that awareness reaches the youngest athletes and filters upward. Community voices also keep interventions culturally sensitive and responsive (UN Women, 2020).
5. Global and Regional Networks
   Joining campaigns such as HeForShe or collaborating with organisations like UNESCO and UN Women extends impact beyond local contexts, connecting sport to global movements for equality.

Monitoring and Sustaining Change

Partnerships are only sustainable if progress is monitored and evaluated. Collecting data on awareness campaigns, reporting mechanisms, and training outcomes allows organisations to identify gaps and refine strategies and policies (UN Women, 2024). At the same time, sports organisations must address gender-based cyberviolence. Policies should include measures to combat online harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of images. 

Collaboration with social media platforms and tech companies can help ensure the swift removal of harmful content and provide victims with resources (Spurek & Riba i Giner, 2023).

Equally important is moral leadership. Leaders who commit publicly to zero tolerance of GBV and model respectful behaviour set a powerful precedent. By doing so, they transform awareness from an abstract goal into action in practice (Sport GVP Project, 2025b).

Conclusion

Building sustainable partnerships for long-term change means weaving together visibility, awareness, and structural reform. By putting GBV in sport firmly in the spotlight, organisations break the silence that has too long protected harmful behaviours. Yet, awareness alone is not enough—it must be anchored in cross-sector partnerships, institutional commitments, and grassroots engagement.

The Sport GVP project demonstrates that when sport embraces its potential as a platform for equality, it can challenge stereotypes, empower marginalised voices, and safeguard future generations (Sport GVP Project, 2025a; Sport GVP Project, 2025b). Sustainable partnerships ensure that this transformation is not temporary but enduring. They foster a sporting culture where inclusion, dignity, and respect are not aspirational ideals but everyday realities.

Actionable Recommendations

To move from awareness to sustainable change, sport organisations and their partners should:

1. Launch joint awareness campaigns combining digital platforms with on-site events to reach both global audiences and local communities.
2. Create “expert teams within teams”—designated GBV-trained staff or volunteers who can act as first responders and advocates inside clubs and federations.
3. Institutionalise peer education programmes that empower athletes to challenge stereotypes, support teammates, and normalise conversations about respect and equality.
4. Establish clear monitoring systems with regular reporting, survivor feedback mechanisms, and transparent evaluation of policies and campaigns.
5. Engage with cross-sector and global networks to ensure that local initiatives are supported by broader movements, funding, and shared expertise.

References

Council of Europe. (2011). Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). Strasbourg: Council of Europe.

HeForShe. (2023). HeForShe. The movement for gender equality. UN Women. https://www.heforshe.org/en

International Olympic Committee (IOC). (2016). Consensus statement on harassment and abuse in sport.

Mountjoy, M., Brackenridge, C., Arrington, M., Blauwet, C., Carska-Sheppard, A., Fasting, K., … & Budgett, R. (2016). International Olympic Committee consensus statement: harassment and abuse (non-accidental violence) in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(17), 1019-1029.

Sport GVP project (2025b). WP3 – D3.2 – Toolkit for Sport Professionals. Available at https://sportgvp.eu/elearning/training-package/. European Union Programme.

Sport GVP Project. (2025a). Guide on Prevention Policies and Practices for Sport Officers & Executives. https://sportgvp.eu/elearning/training-package/ European Union Programme.

Spurek, S., & Riba i Giner, D. (2023). EU policy advancements in GBV prevention.

UN Women. (2020). Sports for Generation Equality framework. New York: UN Women.

UN Women. (2023). Tackling violence against women and girls in sport: A handbook for policy makers and practitioners. Retrieved from https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2023/07/tackling-violence-against-women-and-girls-in-sport-a-handbook-for-policy-makers-and-sports-practitioners

UN Women. (2024). EU-UN Spotlight Initiative Annual Report.

UNESCO. (2020). Guidelines for gender-transformative sport policies and programmes. Paris: UNESCO Publishing.

The Role of Technology in Combating GBV

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue, even in the world of sports. However, technological developments offer innovative and far-reaching solutions to raise awareness, educate, and empower individuals to prevent and report GBV in sports. From comprehensive online resources to empowering mobile apps, digital tools are making a real difference.

Spreading the Word: Digital Platforms for Awareness and Education

Digital platforms are revolutionising how we disseminate vital information and launch targeted awareness campaigns against GBV in sports. They provide accessible avenues for everyone, from athletes and coaches to sports organisations and parents, to learn about prevention, recognition, and response.

• Online Toolkits and Guides: These resources are invaluable for equipping individuals with the knowledge to identify and address GBV. For instance, the Finnish Sports Federation’s “Allowed to Care, Allowed to Intervene” guide, first published in 2002 and regularly updated, offers comprehensive information on preventing and managing sexual harassment and abuse in sport. Similarly, the Czech Olympic Committee’s guide on preventing sexual harassment has reached an impressive 5,000 sport federations, clubs, and schools since 2006, showcasing the immense potential of digital distribution for broad reach. More recently, the Council of Europe (2019), developed an interactive toolkit on how to make an impact on gender equality in sports. This toolkit provides users with information, concrete tips, good-practice examples and strategies to develop a gender mainstreaming approach to achieve equality between women and men in sport. At the same time, the World Players Association in consultation with The Army of Survivors and the Sport & Rights Alliance developed an online guide including the key principles and essential functions to be embedded in any safe sport entity. It also provides sports bodies and player associations with a clear benchmark to ensure they are able to prevent and respond to abuse that impacts athletes.
• Dedicated Educational Websites: These online hubs serve as central repositories for information and resources.

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched an educational website in 2012, providing theoretical information and interactive videos on crucial topics like sexual harassment, abuse, gender harassment, homophobia, and hazing. Available in six languages, it targets sports organisations, athletes, and coaches, demonstrating a global reach for critical information.
• Australia’s “Play by the Rules“ (since 2001) is an interactive powerhouse, offering training, resources, and advice on discrimination, sexual harassment, and child protection in sport, including free online courses and toolkits.
• The Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) also hosts a freely accessible website with a toolkit for preventing sexual intimidation.

Mobile Apps and Social Media Campaigns

Technology is also bringing safety directly to users’ fingertips and amplifying awareness through powerful social media campaigns.

• Mobile Applications: These apps are transforming how individuals access support and report concerns. The Irish Sports Council’s “Safe Sport” app (launched in 2000) provides information and guidance on safeguarding children in sport. It includes direct links for reporting concerns and even a location tracker for parental oversight.

• Social Media Campaigns: Utilising the vast reach of digital platforms, social media campaigns are proving incredibly effective at raising awareness and challenging harmful norms.
• The “Belgian Football Versus Homophobia” campaign effectively used rainbow laces and workshops to promote inclusivity for LGBTQ+ individuals in football.
• France’s “National Communication and Awareness-Raising Campaign” (2008) utilised digital dissemination of posters, leaflets, and videos nationwide to address sexual violence in sport.
• Germany’s “Strong Networks against Violence” campaign (2008) uses digital channels to promote self-defence and assertiveness training for women and girls through martial arts, empowering them with practical skills.
• In 2024, a new campaign, named “1in3” was launched by Olympians and world-class athletes to combat gender-based violence. The campaign’s name, “1in3,” is inspired by a UN statistic that one in three women globally experiences violence. The initiative, which was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, aims to raise awareness, demand action, and drive systemic change through athlete-led voices. It was initiated following the murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei.

Technology is a game-changer in the fight against GBV in sports. From empowering apps to global awareness campaigns, digital tools are making sports safer and more inclusive for everyone. By embracing these innovations, important steps can be taken to build a future where every athlete can truly play free from fear.

References

Council of Europe & European Union. (2019). All in: The toolkit on gender equality in sport. Council of Europe. Available at: https://rm.coe.int/all-in-toolkit-how-to-make-an-impact-on-gender-equality-in-sport-all-y/1680989ab2 

Mergaert, L., Arnaut, C., Vertommen, T., & Lang, M. (2016). Study on gender-based violence in sport: Final report. Yellow Window. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union. Available at: https://sport.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/gender-based-violence-sport-study-2016_en.pdf 

World Players Association, The Army of Survivors, & Sport & Rights Alliance. (2022). Establishing effective safe sport entities. UNI Global Union. Available at: https://uniglobalunion.org/wp-content/uploads/Safe-Sport-Entity-Guidance_final.pdf 

In the world of sport, where strength, unity, and resilience are celebrated, there remains a troubling issue that often goes unnoticed or unspoken—Gender-Based Violence (GBV). While sport has the potential to be a powerful force for inclusion and equality, it can also mirror the harmful power dynamics and inequalities that exist in broader society. Tackling GBV in sport requires not only systemic change and accountability but also the active engagement of young people as advocates, leaders, and changemakers. (UNESCO, 2021)

GBV in sport can take many forms: sexual harassment, abuse of power by coaches or officials, discrimination against LGBTQI+ athletes, and psychological intimidation. Too often, victims remain silent due to fear of retaliation, lack of trust in institutions, or simply because they do not feel their voices will be heard. Youth—especially girls, non-binary individuals, and marginalised groups are particularly vulnerable. (European Commission, 2017)

Empowering youth is not just about giving them a platform, it is about giving them power and responsibility in shaping safe and inclusive sporting environments. When young people are involved in identifying the problems, co-creating the solutions, and speaking out against violence, real change becomes possible. (UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti, 2019)

Youth participation is key because young athletes can reach and influence their peers in ways adults often cannot. Youth bring creativity and energy to addressing complex issues, often finding innovative ways to raise awareness. Survivors and allies within the youth community can share real-life experiences that bring human aspects to the statistics and inspire action. By participating in advocacy efforts, young people build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of agency.

Across the globe, youth-led initiatives are breaking the silence on GBV in sport. From grassroots campaigns to international forums, young people are demanding safer spaces. In Europe, youth advocates are using theatre and sport for development methods to open conversations around consent and respect. Digital platforms are being used by young athletes to launch hashtag movements, share resources, and report abuse anonymously. These initiatives show that when young voices are given space and support, they can catalyse powerful movements. (UN Women, 2021)

For youth to truly play a meaningful role in tackling GBV in sport, several essential conditions must be in place. First and foremost, young people need to feel safe. This means creating environments where they are not only protected from harm but also where their voices are genuinely welcomed and respected. When young athletes know they are being heard without fear of judgment or retaliation, they are more likely to speak up and engage actively.

However, safety alone is not enough. To empower youth as advocates against GBV, they must be equipped with the right knowledge and tools. This requires investment in training and mentorship programmes that help them understand the complexities of GBV, recognise the signs, and develop the confidence to act. With proper guidance, young people can transform their passion for sport into powerful advocacy for justice and equality.

Equally important is the role of adults in this process. Coaches, educators, and sport leaders must become allies—people who not only listen to young voices but actively share power with them. Inclusive leadership means creating space at the table for youth perspectives and treating those perspectives as valuable contributions to decision-making processes.

Youth participation must move beyond symbolic gestures. It should be embedded into the very structure of sport through policies, platforms, and mechanisms that institutionalise their involvement. When young people see that their input leads to real, tangible change, their belief in the process and themselves grows stronger.

Ending GBV in sport is not a task for institutions alone—it is a collective responsibility. Young people are not just the future of sport; they are its present. Their voices, when amplified and respected, can challenge harmful norms, hold power to account, and reimagine sport as a space of safety, joy, and equality for all.

References

UN Women. (2021). Breaking the silence on gender-based violence in sport. Retrieved from: https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2021/11/feature-breaking-the-silence-on-gender-based-violence-in-sport 

UNESCO. (2021). Tackling gender-based violence in and through sport. Retrieved from: https://en.unesco.org/news/tackling-gender-based-violence-and-through-sport

European Commission. (2017). Voices for truth and dignity: Combatting sexual violence in European sport (VOICE Project). Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/projects/eplus-project-details/#project/567182-EPP-1-2015-1-DE-SPO-SCP

UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti. (2019). Youth engagement and empowerment in sport for development. Retrieved from: https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/1942-youth-engagement-and-empowerment-in-sport-for-development.html 

The Sport GVP project, launched in January 2024, is a collaborative initiative across Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, and North Macedonia aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in sports. At its midpoint, the project has made significant strides in understanding and combating GBV within the sporting context. 

Key Findings and Challenges

Research conducted by Sport GVP has highlighted the pervasive nature of GBV in sports, manifesting as sexual harassment, emotional abuse, physical violence, and discrimination. These issues are prevalent across all levels of sport, from youth leagues to professional teams. Notably, in Cyprus, harmful behaviours have been normalised, and enforcement of GBV policies remains inconsistent. In Greece, cultural barriers and ineffective policy implementation hinder progress, while Italy faces challenges due to a lack of awareness and training which are, in turn, caused by prevalent sexist socio-cultural norms among sports professionals. In Denmark, significant challenges exist in recognising and addressing GBV within its sports community. Sports organizations and clubs often prioritize logistical aspects over the well-being of participants, contributing to a lack of awareness around GBV, especially concerning vulnerable groups like young women. For North Macedonia, gender-based violence is widespread, with over 54% of women having experienced some form of violence since age 15, and sexual violence in sport often goes unreported due to fear and stigma. 

Strategic Interventions

To address these challenges, Sport GVP has implemented several strategic interventions:

• Comprehensive Training: Development of a training package for athletes, coaches, and staff to recognise and prevent GBV. 
• Policy Development: Establishment of clear and enforceable policies within sports organisations to address GBV. 
• Support Systems: Creation of robust support mechanisms, including counseling and legal assistance, for victims of GBV.
• Awareness Campaigns: Organisation of Info Days and awareness-raising events in participating countries to engage local communities. 

Looking Ahead

As the project progresses, Sport GVP launched an interactive eLearning platform to educate stakeholders on GBV prevention further. A final conference in Copenhagen,  Denmark at the MOVE Congress 2025 will serve as a platform to share insights, best practices, and project outcomes, fostering collaboration for future initiatives. 

Through these concerted efforts, Sport GVP aims to create safer, more inclusive sports environments, ensuring that all individuals can participate without fear of violence or discrimination.

For more information, visit Sport GVP.

The Sport GVP project addresses this challenge head-on through a structured and inclusive set of actions aimed at preventing and tackling gender-based violence (GBV) both in and through sport. One of the assets of the project is its intersectional approach and how intersectional identities contribute to unique experiences of GBV. 

Why Intersectionality Matters

Intersectionality refers to the interconnected and simultaneous forms of oppression that individuals may experience based on their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and other axes of identity (Crenshaw 1991). The intersectional approach implemented within the Sport GVP project is aligned with the field reality as revealed in recent research conducted by EIGE:

Evidence shows that […] gender, class, race and ethnicity were historically perceived to be the major social divisions within intersectionality research, with other axes of power gradually included, such as age, dis/ability, sexual orientation and gender identity, religion etc. (EIGE, Intersecting inequalities: Gender Equality Index, 2019). 

In the context of GBV in sport, this approach is vital to understanding how athletes face unique and compounded vulnerabilities—particularly those who are LGBTQI+, refugees, economically disadvantaged, or belong to racial and ethnic minorities.

Field Findings Highlight the Complexity of GBV in Sport

Field research conducted within the Sport GVP project revealed that intersectionality was often an unfamiliar concept among interviewees, yet its relevance became clear through lived experiences of composite discrimination. 

Cyprus

In Cyprus, LGBTQI+ athletes were found to be particularly at risk due to the convergence of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status and ability. 

Greece

In Greece, patriarchal norms and entrenched gender roles contribute to a culture of silence. The study showed that marginalized identities, such as being LGBTQI+, a refugee, or economically disadvantaged, intensified experiences of GBV. 

Denmark

In Denmark, despite progressive initiatives, deep-rooted cultural attitudes continue to hinder inclusivity. Field research revealed a low level of awareness, among sport professionals, on the matter but once familiar with the concept athletes reported discrimination incidents related to intersectional identities. 

North Macedonia

In North Macedonia, a lack of reporting and data obscures the full extent of the issue. However, where understanding of intersectionality existed, it was linked to recognition of the specific vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups, particularly within the LGBTI+ community. Thus, the probability of experiencing aggravated violence remains considerable.

Italy

In Italy, the sports system struggles with both policy implementation and deep-seated stereotypes. The intersections of ethnicity, gender and disability intensifies vulnerability to GBV.  Coaches and athletes noted how religious beliefs, economic hardship, and traditional gender roles intersect to create an environment where GBV is both underreported and inadequately addressed.

Conclusion

Addressing GBV in sports requires more than one-dimensional solutions. It demands strategies that recognize how intersecting forms of marginalization compound vulnerability. Improved awareness, inclusive policies, and cross-sectoral training—especially for coaches—are crucial to addressing entrenched prejudices and supporting marginalized athletes. Sustainable prevention and intervention depend on coordinated efforts, better reporting mechanisms, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity in sport.

To meet these needs, the Sport GVP project offers a comprehensive training package for athletes and professionals that includes: a Curriculum in the form of an online course for sport professionals, staff and executives on Gender Based Violence and Sport, complemented by a Toolkit with practical resources and a Guide on prevention policies for sport officers and executives on effective prevention policies. 

References

European Institute for Gender Equality (2019), Intersecting inequalities: Gender Equality Index

Kimberle Crenshaw, 1991. Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review.

Education is much more than the transmission of knowledge: it is a catalyst for transformation. It has the power to challenge outdated beliefs, encourage critical thinking and inspire meaningful change. When combined with awareness-raising campaigns, education becomes a driving force for reforming public attitudes and addressing long-standing social issues.

Education as a means of social change

Awareness-raising campaigns harness the power of education to inform, engage and make people think. Whether it is climate change, public health or inequality, these campaigns rely on well-researched information and strategic communication to influence the way people think and behave.

Through educational messaging, campaigns can illuminate complex issues in accessible and relatable ways. In this way, people can reflect on their values, question norms and take informed action, turning passive awareness into active engagement.

One of the most significant impacts of educational campaigns is their ability to break down prejudice and stigma. By sharing real stories, presenting evidence and amplifying marginalised voices, they create opportunities for empathy and understanding. Campaigns that tackle racism, promote gender equality or address gender-based violence, for example, work to dismantle harmful stereotypes and replace them with a more inclusive narrative. Over time, this change in perception can lead to a profound cultural shift.

Reaching Diverse Audience

The strength of awareness-raising campaigns lies in their adaptability. They can be channelled through different platforms, from social media to television, from public events to community outreach, ensuring resonance across demographics, languages and cultural backgrounds.

By meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively, these initiatives make education a collective, shared experience. This inclusive approach ensures that no one is left behind in the journey towards greater awareness and social progress.

Examples in Action

• Environmental campaigns: Global initiatives such as Fridays for Future or local initiatives promoting the use of clean energy raise awareness of the climate crisis. By educating the public on sustainable practices, these campaigns help promote long-term environmental responsibility.
• Health awareness: Programmes that emphasise the importance of mental health, such as Time To Talk Day in the UK, educate people about the signs of anxiety, depression and emotional distress, promoting open conversations and reducing stigma.
• Gender equality and safety: Campaigns such as the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence use education to challenge harmful norms, raise awareness of systemic inequalities and encourage safer and more respectful communities.
• Human rights and social justice: Movements such as Black Lives Matter and Stonewall’s campaigns for LGBTQIA+ rights use education to expose discrimination, promote inclusion and advocate for legislative and cultural change.

Conclusion

Education is not confined to institutions, but lives in the conversations, campaigns and collective consciousness of society. If used thoughtfully, it has the power to change hearts and minds. Awareness-raising campaigns exemplify this potential, demonstrating that informed people are empowered people – and empowered people drive progress.

This is indeed the underlying vision of the Sport GVP project. By generating knowledge and data on the prevalence and forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in sport in the project partner countries, the project transforms education into action. Through structured activities, it not only raises awareness, but also lays the foundation for meaningful responses. In this way, Sport GVP harnesses the transformative power of sport as a vehicle for social change, thus empowering communities, shaping norms and taking concrete steps to prevent and address GBV.

References

Black Lives Matter, https://blacklivesmatter.com/ 

Fridays for Future, https://fridaysforfuture.org/

Stonewall, https://www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us 

Time to Talk Day, https://timetotalkday.co.uk/ 

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/16-days-of-activism