When children and young people become victims of sexual violence during sport, it is usually in a club, by male trainers and with the help of cell phone contact. This was the result of a special evaluation published on Wednesday by the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA). According to the most recent data from 2022, such cases were only reported very rarely, although, according to scientific studies, between 20 and 60 percent of all respondents were affected by sexual violence in a sports context as children or young people.
The LKA explained that this discrepancy could have various reasons. “It is often because the children do not perceive border crossings as such or do not correctly assess them. In addition, those affected find it difficult to confide in anyone because of the feelings of shame and guilt that arise.” In principle, significantly more cases occurred in club sports than in school sports. “The majority are so-called hands-off offenses such as verbal harassment, text and picture messages with sexual content and requests to provide nude pictures,” said the LKA. “Rape is extremely rare.”
The perpetrators, who usually act alone, are almost exclusively male, mostly adults and work on a voluntary basis as trainers or trainers. Girls and boys are equally victims. The perpetrators specifically influence the children and young people in order to prepare them for one-time or repeated sexual border crossings. “They may not shy away from massive intimidation,” warned the investigators. Communication usually takes place via messenger services in order to intensify and sexualize the relationship with the victim outside of the training environment.
According to the police, in order to effectively prevent sexual violence in organized sports, more information and sensitization of the population is necessary. “The existence of protection concepts alone is not enough – they must also be communicated and implemented.” Everyone involved should be aware of risk factors and contact points as well as clearly defined complaint channels and simple tips on how to behave, especially when dealing with affected children.