Para athletes’ perceptions of abuse: a qualitative study across three lower resourced countries

Abstract

ObjectivesInterpersonal violence is an increasingly recognised risk of sport participation and causally linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes. Para athletes from low- and middle-income countries may be at highest risk of physical, psychological, sexual and neglect-related violence due to various factors; however, their perceptions of these abusive behaviours are unknown. This study examined the perceptions and experiences of abuse in para athletes from three lower resourced countries: Ghana, India and Brazil.MethodsQualitative data from semistructured focus group interviews conducted with 26 individuals were collected to explore characteristics of abuse observed, navigated and experienced by para athletes. The framework method for multidisciplinary qualitative research guided data analysis.ResultsAthletes identified a wide range of abusive behaviours they experienced within and outside of sport, including psychological, emotional, physical, sexual and neglect-related violence, which operated on both interpersonal and systemic levels. Most athletes described three less easily recognised forms of abuse in greater detail and more frequently than others: financial abuse, neglect and disability stigma.ConclusionIt is important to hear directly from athletes with diverse experiences and backgrounds and to integrate their insights and priorities into sport safeguarding policies, programmes and interventions. Understanding the requirements and challenges of para athletes and para sport is needed to achieve safe, equitable and inclusive sport. As new insights from diverse sport settings are added to the evidence base, globally balanced, athlete-generated and locally relevant preventative strategies can better protect all athletes.

Safeguarding Reimagined: Centering Athletes’ Rights and Repositioning Para Sport to Chart a New Path

“…Athlete protections involve diverse children and adults, participating in a range of sports, in different ways, over time ( Bekker and Clark, 2016 ). The consequences of interpersonal violence against and between athletes, as well as failure to protect athletes from harm, affects individual athletes, their families, their communities, and the health of sport and society at large ( Brackenridge et al, 2001 ; Mountjoy et al, 2016 ; Vertommen, 2018 ; Vertommen and Parent, 2020 ; Fortier et al, 2020 ; Guiora, 2020 ; Tuakli-Wosornu et al, 2020 ; Tuakli-Wosornu, 2021 ; Rutland et al, 2022 ). Brackenridge has long argued that sport embodies a cultural island, set apart from and mostly revered by the rest of society.…”

“…There are several streams of Para athletes and much diversity within those streams ( Kirby et al, 2008 ; Vertommen et al, 2016 ; Tuakli-Wosornu et al, 2020 ; Rutland et al, 2022 ). There are at least three categories in which participants compete globally: the visually impaired, those with physical impairment and those with intellectual challenges ( IPC, 2016c ).…”

“…Those with intellectual impairment are at highest risk ( Sobsey and Doe, 1991 ). As Mountjoy et al write, “the human rights approach to sport indicates that consideration be given to the age, the gender and the disability of children in sport ( Mountjoy et al, 2017 ).” Early statistics confirm that children with disabilities are not immune to interpersonal violence in sport ( Vertommen et al, 2016 ; Kerr et al, 2019a ; Tuakli-Wosornu et al, 2020 ; Rutland et al, 2022 ). Many are at risk in both society and sport.…”

“…It includes “denigrating, belittling or humiliating an athlete, ignoring them, isolating them, shouting or swearing at them, denying them attention and support, and scapegoating them ( Leahy et al, 2004 ; Mountjoy et al, 2015 , 2017 ).” It has been established that when emotional abuse comes from an authority figure, such as a coach or physician, the impact of the negative comments and actions is heightened ( Mountjoy et al, 2017 ). The psychological abuse of Para sport participants follows the same trajectory, though with disability contexts considered, the abuse may be experienced differently ( Rutland et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Global sports organizations are approaching safeguarding and athlete protections with increased focus and rigor ( Mountjoy et al, 2016 ; Vertommen et al, 2016 ; Kerr et al, 2019a ; Hartill et al, 2021 ; Rhind et al, 2021 ; Rutland et al, 2022 ). Many scientific and advocacy teams acknowledge that safeguarding is a systems-level, rights-based issue that requires culture change ( Lang, 2020 ; Tuakli-Wosornu et al, 2020 ; Campbell and Tincknell-Smith, 2021 ; Komaki and Tuakli-Wosornu, 2021 ; Tuakli-Wosornu, 2021 ).…”