Athlete Mental Health Impacts of Harassment and Abuse in Sport

Sports participation can result in many health benefits for participants. However, scientific research shows that harassment and abuse during sport occur in all sports and at all levels. There are four forms of harassment and abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, and neglect. The impacts of harassment and abuse in sport can be devastating and long-lasting for both victims and sports organizations. One common impact of harassment and abuse is the development of mental health symptoms and disorders including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation.Safe sport is the responsibility of all stakeholders in sport. Athletes have the right to a safe sporting environment, where their human rights are respected. A multilayered, multisystem approach to prevention is required. Team physicians play an important role in the prevention of harassment and abuse and should have the clinical competence to recognize the subtle signs and symptoms of abuse, manage athlete disclosures, and treat and support victim impacts. A thorough assessment of all athletes presenting with mental health symptoms should include inquiry about the presence, or past occurrence, of harassment and abuse within, or outside of sport, realizing that safe sport is an important component of protecting the mental health and well-being of athletes.