Every child has a right to be safe from abuse and exploitation, during their lives and as they participate in sport. On this page, you will find information about the prevalence and characteristics of child abuse and exploitation in sport, highlighting the importance of creating a safe environment where children can thrive and participate in sport without experiencing harm. 

Information relating to child safety and protection from abuse and exploitation may bring up strong feelings. Remember, you are not alone. If you need assistance or support, you can access a list of dedicated services on our Finding Help page. 

Key Facts

Sport has been identified as an institutional setting where children and adolescents are vulnerable to abuse from peers, coaches, parents, officials, administrators or members of the medical team.

• High profile cases of young athletes being abused whilst competing have drawn attention to the issue of child protection in sports all over the world. 
• A 2023 study of Australian community sport found that 82% of respondents experienced violence in sport as a child. Psychological violence was most prevalent (76%), followed by physical (66%) and sexual (38%) violence. 1
• 408 survivors interviewed by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Australia) experienced child sexual abuse in sport and recreation settings. 2

1 Pankowiak, A. et al (2023). Psychological, Physical, and Sexual Violence Against Children in Australian Community Sport: Frequency, Perpetrator, and Victim Characteristics. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(3–4), 4338–4365.

2 Commonwealth of Australia (2017). Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse – Final Report: Volume 14, Sport, recreation, arts, culture, community and hobby groups. 

Abuse in sport can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse – including harmful contact such as punching or kicking, age-inappropriate or forced training, including while injured or in pain.
• Sexual abuse – including sexist comments and gestures, making sexual comments to a child, and sexual assault.
• Emotional abuse – including humiliation, scapegoating, threats, rejection.
• Neglect – including isolation, being ignored, denial of attention or support.

Research also shows that the risk of abuse rises