Chapter 11: Breaking the silence: victims and survivors speak out
Part II — Safe sport in Canada
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The Commission heard heart-wrenching stories of serious abuse. We were told that maltreatment in sport takes many forms: including sexual assault, physical and psychological abuse, racism, body-shaming, bullying and discrimination. Victims and survivors described feeling humiliated, degraded and broken.
Despite increased awareness and numerous studies and reports aimed at exploring and addressing these issues, maltreatment in sport is still pervasive. We describe below some of the accounts that were shared with us by victims, survivors and witnesses.
Different forms of maltreatment
The Commission heard stories about body-shaming, fat-shaming, inappropriate weighing, food restriction and other harmful weight control tactics, all of which have long-lasting psychological and physical effects and frequently lead to eating disorders.
Victims and survivors who experienced this type of psychological abuse, many of whom were children at the time, shared how these practices impacted them for the rest of their lives. We now know how harmful these practices are, even though they were once considered normal. Still, weight-related maltreatment remains common in sport, especially in artistic sports and sports where athletes must compete within specific weight classes.Footnote 1
Victims, survivors and witnesses shared harrowing accounts of sexual maltreatment including sexual assault, violence and harassment.
The Commission heard that these examples of sexual misconduct often involve grooming, which happens before the abuse and causes lasting and corrosive harm. We were told how grooming is a gradual process that may appear at first as a special opportunity, such as getting extra attention from individuals in positions of authority and more play time on the field leading to better performance. But these “special opportunities" are part of the harmful grooming process. They are deliberately used by individuals who hold positions of trust and power over the athletes to legitimize access and time with the athletes and gain more control over them. In fact, it leads to a betrayal of trust by those people in positions of power.
These issues and others such as racism, including abuse directed toward Indigenous communities, as well as homophobia, ableism (discrimination based on disability) and sexism, have been identified as being deeply ingrained within the sport system. They undermine the very principles of fairness and inclusivity that sport is meant to uphold.
Indeed, the Commission was frequently informed of racism happening both on and off the field of play. Athletes shared experiences of opposing players and administrators hurling racial slurs or using stereotypes. Some were told they only made the team to fill a “quota.” Racial stereotypes have also been used to maintain the status quo or explain the lack of diversity in the sport system. We heard of abuse perpetrated against Indigenous people in sport, including in residential schools.
Moreover, many people from equity-deserving groups continue to be marginalized and excluded from sport. We heard that members of the 2SLGBTQI+, including athletes, coaches and officials, struggled with having to keep their personal lives hidden for fear of retribution and often felt that equal opportunities were not provided to them. We heard of instances where National Sport Organizations housed non para-athlete participants in one hotel and para-athletes in another, due to a failure by leadership to secure wheelchair-accessible accommodations. We also heard about coaches refusing to provide necessary assistance to para-athletes.
Power dynamics within the sport system mean that maltreatment can be carried out by various individuals. This includes coaches, officials, parents, other athletes, members of medical teams, employees of sport organizations and administrators like board members. The victims are equally diverse and include more than just athletes. Individuals who are in positions of trust, who have privileged roles within the sport system and are expected to behave ethically, sometimes misuse their positions to exert power and control.
From a young age, athletes’ lives can become very closely tied to their athletic pursuits, sometimes at the expense of a more balanced lifestyle. This can create an environment where athletes feel pressured and controlled, especially in sports where they have only one coach.
Coaches become mentors, but also gatekeepers for the athletes’ career and identity, which can lead to an unhealthy dependency relationship. This can make athletes more vulnerable to abuse, particularly psychological abuse, by individuals in positions of trust who may exploit the existing power imbalance.
Many of these victims and survivors who met with us were children when the incidents of maltreatment occurred. Now adults, they continue to live with the devastating and life-altering consequences of these actions. These harmful behaviours not only impact individual athletes but can also tarnish the integrity of the entire sporting community. The prevalence of such maltreatment underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved in sport, no matter their role.
As we look closely at the complexities of maltreatment in sport, we must recognize that these issues are not isolated incidents. Some of these incidents of maltreatment are a symptom of a larger systemic problem, including issues related to the governance of sport organizations. Understanding the multifaceted nature of abuse and the environments that allow it to thrive is essential to collectively create safe, respectful, and supportive sporting environments for all participants.
New forms of maltreatment
Not only does maltreatment manifest itself in different forms, but these forms have evolved over time as a result of significant shifts in the way society functions. The rise and impact of social media have exacerbated traditional forms of abuse. For example, hazing rituals, which have long been a problem in sport culture, have changed. In some cases, it now causes a second layer of harm because smartphones and online platforms are easily accessible. The Commission has heard that these technological changes have in some cases made abusive behaviour easier and have been used to pressure and intimidate those involved.
Also, the increase in online communication has created new ways for abuse to happen, with cyberbullying becoming a significant concern for athletes of all ages. Online harassment can take many forms, from harmful comments to sharing intimate images without consent, contributing to a culture of shame, fear and intimidation.
Another example of a newly emerging form of maltreatment relates to the issue of competition manipulation in Canada. Competition manipulation is generally seen as a serious threat to sport integrity but also to athlete safety as it can lead to exploitation and abuse.Footnote 2
Culture of silence
A culture of silence exacerbates maltreatment in sport. Conflicts of interest and favouritism within the system often allow abuse to remain unchecked and unresolved. Coaches and administrators may prioritize winning above player welfare. Power imbalances between the different actors in sport are often present in hierarchical structures, like sport organizations, and can create environments where fear and silence overshadow the well-being of athletes.
Many individuals shared with the Commission that they were hesitant to speak out, whether as witnesses, victims or survivors. They feared retribution from coaches, teammates, supervisors or institutions. In many instances, these fears came true when victims, survivors and witnesses did raise concerns or report maltreatment.
On several occasions, individuals were aware of what was happening but chose to do nothing to stop it. Additionally, athletes and others involved in sport often worry about losing funding, being excluded or being labelled as troublemakers if allegations of maltreatment come to light. This creates a climate of fear where the concern about financial instability is stronger than the need to report misconduct. This culture perpetuates cycles of abuse, making it difficult for victims to come forward and seek help or justice.
Furthermore, the shame felt by victims contributes to a perception that speaking out may be seen as causing trouble. This can lead victims to doubt themselves and reinforces the harmful idea that they are to blame, not the perpetrator. These compounded fears silence victims and witnesses, which ultimately hinders the progress needed to address maltreatment in sport.
The above-noted accounts shared with us illustrate the ongoing and pervasive nature of maltreatment in sport. While these behaviours and practices are obviously unacceptable, they continue to happen today.