A new Australian study has found women are often placed at further risk when they report gender-based violence in sport, with researchers warning that current integrity systems are failing those they are meant to protect.
The research, led by academics from the University of Sydney, La Trobe University and Victoria University, found that disclosure pathways are unclear, difficult to navigate and frequently retraumatising for victim-survivors.
Supported by the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Studies Centre, the project examined how sporting bodies respond to reports of harassment, assault and abuse. Researchers concluded that existing integrity frameworks, originally built to address doping and match-fixing, are not fit for purpose when dealing with gender-based violence.
The study found that many reporting processes prioritise institutional reputation and legal risk management over survivor wellbeing. Women described feeling disbelieved, isolated and punished for speaking up.
Researchers interviewed 27 women and gender-diverse participants about their experiences of disclosing violence in sport, along with 18 policy developers and integrity staff. They also reviewed safeguarding policies, complaints procedures and mechanisms across sporting organisations, including Sport Integrity Australia.
The findings revealed that many staff handling complaints lack trauma-informed training, and reporting pathways are so complex they discourage follow-through. Some administrators themselves acknowledged the emotional toll of receiving disclosures without sufficient support structures in place.
Previous research cited in the study indicates that up to 74 percent of women report experiencing psychological, physical or sexual violence in sporting contexts.
A key concern raised by the researchers is that many adult cases of gender-based violence fall outside the jurisdiction of Sport Integrity Australia, leaving limited independent oversight for how complaints are handled.
The report argues that without structural reform, including mandatory safeguarding standards and expanded oversight powers, sporting organisations will have little incentive to change entrenched practices.
Researchers are calling on government to broaden the remit of Sport Integrity Australia to include adult gender-based violence cases and to provide dedicated funding to support reform.
Alongside the findings, the research team has developed a new evidence-based toolkit designed to help sporting organisations create safer environments for women and gender-diverse participants.
The toolkit outlines five best practice principles aimed at improving reporting pathways, ensuring trauma-informed responses and increasing transparency and accountability.
It emphasises that victim-survivors value being believed, having agency over how their case is managed, and receiving clear communication throughout the process.
While the study focuses on Australian sport, its findings resonate internationally, including in Aotearoa where conversations about safeguarding, athlete welfare and governance standards continue to evolve.
For Radio Waatea listeners, the report underscores a critical point: safeguarding in sport is not simply about compliance or integrity codes. It is about culture, leadership and whether institutions are prepared to place care and accountability ahead of reputation management.
The researchers’ message is clear – without independent oversight, mandatory standards and a survivor-centred approach, sporting organisations risk perpetuating harm rather than preventing it.
