A new report from Kyniska Advocacy the UK’s athlete‑ and survivor‑led safe sport organisation, offers one of the clearest insights yet into the long‑term impact of abuse on adults in sport.
The report is titled “I don’t know how I will ever trust anybody again” — Understanding the Long‑Term Impact of Abuse in Sport. You can access it here.
The report brings forward lived experience, survivor testimony, and systemic analysis to highlight how deeply abuse can impact an athlete’s wellbeing and future participation.
Key Themes Emerging From the Report
- Power imbalances are the central risk factor contributing to abuse.
- A lack of safe reporting routes can silence victims.
- Cultural issues, such as normalised bullying and fear of deselection, create toxic environments in which abuse can thrive.
- Survivors emphasise the need for trauma‑informed responses instead of procedural box‑ticking.
Why This Matters for Board Champions
Board Champions hold a unique position in shaping culture, oversight, and accountability.
This report reinforces several key messages relevant to governance:
- Abuse of adults in sport is real, widespread, and often hidden. Reviews and survivor accounts show adults experience physical, emotional, and sexual abuse across sporting environments.
- Harm does not end at 18. Adults are also vulnerable to coercion, power imbalance, and unsafe cultures. Safeguarding must extend beyond children’s frameworks.
- Survivors repeatedly describe a loss of trust not only in individuals, but in systems that failed to protect them or respond effectively. Good governance could help to rebuild this trust.
What Can Board Champions Do?
- Champion safer cultures at Board level. You can help to ensure that safeguarding adults is a standing agenda item.
- Go beyond compliance, and instead commit to scrutinising your organisation’s culture.
- Ensure reporting routes are safe, confidential, and trusted.
- Promote athletes’ voices and listen to them to help shape your practices.
This report is a reminder that safeguarding adults is crucial for ensuring that sport is safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.