Publication
Title
Prevalence of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries
Author
Abstract
Background: Investigating prevalence of child abuse in sport is a relatively new field of research, born from the need for credible data on this phenomenon.Objective: To establish prevalence rates of interpersonal violence against children in sport in six European countries.Participants and setting: The sample (N = 10,302) consists of individuals aged 18-30 who had participated in organized sport prior to age 18 (49.3 % male, 50 % female).Methods: A self-report questionnaire was developed (the Interpersonal Violence Against Children in Sport Questionnaire or IVACS-Q) to measure prevalence of five categories of interpersonal violence (neglect, psychological violence, physical violence, non-contact sexual violence, and contact sexual violence) against children who participate in sport. Validation testing (published separately) showed reasonable levels of convergent and divergent validity. Prevalence rates are calculated by national context, whether inside or outside sport, and by sex (male/female).Results: Prevalence of IVACS inside sport differed by category: psychological violence (65 %, n = 6679), physical violence (44 %, n = 4514), neglect (37 %, n = 3796), non-contact sexual violence (35 %, n = 3565), and contact sexual violence (20 %, n = 2060). Relatively small geographical differences were found. Across all categories, males (79 %, n = 4018) reported significantly more experiences inside sport than females (71 %, n = 3653) (chi(2)(1) = 92.507, p < .000). Strong cor-relations were found between experiencing violence inside and outside sport.Conclusions: Interpersonal violence against children in sport is widespread. The sector's approach to prevention must recognize the risks to female and male children (and all children) and the additional vulnerabilities of abused children. Further comparative and longitudinal research within sport is required.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Child abuse and neglect. - Oxford
Publication
Oxford : 2023
ISSN
0145-2134
DOI
10.1016/J.CHIABU.2023.106513
Volume/pages
146 (2023) , p. 1-13
Article Reference
106513
ISI
001110841800001
Pubmed ID
37931542
Medium
E-only publicatie
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 09.01.2024
Last edited 25.04.2024
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