On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding athletes by releasing its third consensus statement on safe sport and interpersonal violence. The announcement marks a pivotal moment in the IOC’s ongoing mission to foster safe and inclusive environments across the global sporting landscape.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the 2024 IOC Consensus Statement on Interpersonal Violence and Safeguarding in Sport is the culmination of an extensive review of over 24,000 citations across nine languages. The statement integrates the latest research advancements and provides actionable strategies to address the complex issue of safeguarding in sport.
The statement introduces a socioecological model that examines interpersonal violence in sport and incorporates perspectives from athletes, placing them at the centre of the safeguarding conversation. It also considers the diverse experiences of marginalised groups, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Led by Professors Yetsa Adebodunde Tuakli-Wosornu of Stanford University and Daniel Rhind of Loughborough University, the consensus statement is a collaborative effort from 15 international experts, including athlete representatives. Kirsty Burrows, Head of the IOC Safe Sport Unit, hailed the statement as “the pinnacle of our leadership in this space” and a critical foundation for future policies.
The statement outlines five key recommendations designed to tackle interpersonal violence and promote safe sport globally:
- Treat safe sport as a shared responsibility across all levels of the sports ecosystem.
- Recognise that safe sport practices apply to everyone, from athletes to administrators.
- Promote awareness and implementation of the latest safeguarding research.
- Prioritise athlete-centred approaches, fostering mutual care and respect.
- Amplify unheard voices and include diverse perspectives to ensure global relevance.
Professor Tuakli-Wosornu emphasised the statement’s significance: “Sport, while imperfect, offers unparalleled promise because it belongs to all of us. This paper breaks a complex issue into manageable parts, encouraging readers to see interpersonal violence as solvable, with benefits for everyone.”
The IOC has been a leader in safeguarding policy for nearly two decades. Its first consensus statement in 2007 addressed abuse prevention, followed by an expanded 2016 statement that introduced the concept of Safe Sport. This latest publication builds on those foundations, aligning with initiatives like the Safe Sport Regional Hub, launched to support athlete welfare globally.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the IOC implemented the most comprehensive safeguarding programme in Olympic history, deploying over 150 Athlete Welfare Officers to provide mental health and safeguarding support.
Co-chair Professor Daniel Rhind highlighted the progress made in understanding interpersonal violence in sport and called for solutions-focused research to identify effective safeguarding practices across different contexts. “Our drive to go Faster, aim Higher, and be Stronger—Together must include safe sport,” he said.
The 2024 consensus statement represents a significant step forward in safeguarding efforts. With the IOC’s commitment to fostering safe, inclusive sporting environments, the statement underscores that protecting athletes is not just a priority but a shared responsibility for the global sporting community.
