Reasons for not speaking out

Fear and being worried are often the main reasons for not speaking out.

For example:

• Fear of threats and negative actions (reprisals) against them and their family.
• Fear of being dropped from the team or not being selected for a competition.
• Being worried that they will get their coach into trouble.
• Fear that they will not be believed.
• Fear that other teammates would not believe what they say.

Many adults working in sport are passionate, committed and responsible. Unfortunately, some may misuse their position of trust and power for personal gain. 

It can be very difficult for athletes or players, especially children, to tell someone they are being abused and they will only tell people who they trust and feel safe with. 

Sometimes sexual abusers use ‘rewards’ like giving special attention, extra privileges, or gifts to certain athletes or players. This is part of a process called 'grooming'. The fear of losing these rewards is often very confusing for these athletes or players and can make it difficult for them to understand they are being abused or to tell someone about it. 

Abusers may also ‘groom’ the adults around an athlete or player – by promising travel opportunities, money and fame. So, it can be very difficult for the athletes or players – who may be a child or a young adult – to know what to do as they want to make their family proud of them. If they tell someone about the abuse, their family may not allow them to continue playing the sport or be able to pay for them to compete in the sport. 

It is important to note that many children who are abused do not speak out until they are adults or may never talk about their experiences. Experience of abuse as a child can have harmful long-term effects.

How can I recognise a safeguarding concern?

The least likely way you will find out about a child being abused is by a child telling you about it.
Therefore, it is your responsibility to be alert and recognise and report safeguarding concerns at the earliest opportunity.

Some signs of the possibility of child abuse include when a child:

• Appears to have suffered an injury that cannot be explained.

• Seems upset without obvious reason.

• Shows changes in behaviour that cannot be explained.

• Shows unusual or fearful responses to certain people, such as a coach, manager or doctor.