Emotional Violence

With another case of abuse in elite sport, why are we still waiting to protect NZ's sportswomen from harm?

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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The independent investigation into McColl found “serious misconduct” over a “number of years” with women athletes under his supervision.

Key Points: 
  • The independent investigation into McColl found “serious misconduct” over a “number of years” with women athletes under his supervision.
  • At least 12 New Zealand sports bodies have come under scrutiny in recent times for cultures where sportswomen experienced abuse.
  • These include Cycling New Zealand, Rugby New Zealand, Gymnastics New Zealand, Canoe Racing New Zealand, NZ Football and Hockey New Zealand.

High rates of abuse

    • One study of 1,665 elite athletes in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium found extremely high rates of reported physical violence (25%), sexual violence (31%) and psychological or emotional violence (72%).
    • Sportswomen were found to experience abuse more than men, particularly sexual violence.
    • Abuse of that imbalance leads to significant harm and negative health impacts, with women athletes often reluctant to report the abuse.

A global problem

    • And it is not only women athletes who experience it, but also women in other roles, such as officials, administrators and volunteers.
    • Read more:
      Toxic sport cultures are damaging female athletes' health, but we can do better

      None of this is specific to New Zealand.

    • Investigations have revealed gender-based violence across a range of sports internationally, where systems consistently fail to protect and support women.

Slow progress

    • An EU-led initiative has produced a good practice guide for sports bodies wanting to support athletes affected by sexual violence.
    • And earlier this week, UNESCO published a handbook offering practical ways to address violence against women and girls in sport.
    • Read more:
      The Black Ferns review shows – again – why real change in women’s high performance sport is urgently overdue

Change has to be urgent

    • Meaningful change will require education for all those working in sport, athlete-centred policy and practice, and safe reporting pathways.
    • Teams and organisations that can show evidence of a positive, safe and healthy culture might be rewarded in future funding cycles, for example.
    • Everyone deserves access to a safe sporting environment, and safeguarding women in sport is an urgent issue.
    • Kirsty Forsdike receives funding from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions of the State Government of Victoria.

Minister Marci Ien announces funding for organizations advancing gender equality in Saskatchewan

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
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REGINA, SK, Feb. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Despite progress in recent decades, gender equality in Canada remains a pressing issue.

Key Points: 
  • REGINA, SK, Feb. 28, 2023 /CNW/ - Despite progress in recent decades, gender equality in Canada remains a pressing issue.
  • Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $4 million for eight organizations to advance gender equality in Saskatchewan.
  • The Government of Canada has committed approximately $300 million in emergency COVID-19 funding to support individuals experiencing gender-based violence.
  • The funding also supports efforts to address intersectional barriers, including those faced by Indigenous, Black, racialized, and rural or remote 2SLGBTQI+ communities.