From looks to comments to touches - sexual violence develops continuously. "It starts very small and ends with serious crimes," says Meike Schröer, DOSB expert for sexual violence, gender & diversity management and personality and potential development. It is a type of violence in which perpetrators sexualize everyday actions. The consequences for those affected are far-reaching and profound. Starting with problems in social life and a lack of trust in others to damage to personal and mental health, which suffers greatly from the extremely drastic influence.
The following applies to the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund: We are watching! For the DEB Sexual violence is not a taboo topic. And that's why Karl Schwarzenbrunner, national coach for science and training, and DEB-Speaker Julia Eisenrieder discussed the topic in episode 13 of DEB-Podcasts “Coach the Coach” take center stage. Meike Schröer has evaluated interviews with those affected over a long period of time - as part of the Voice Project, an EU project to deal with sexual violence in sport - and shares her knowledge and experiences in the podcast.
To start with, basic questions will be clarified: What is sexual violence anyway? What forms are there and what can be the consequences? The expert then provides an insight into the risks and structures in sport that encourage or even enable sexual violence. For Meike Schröer, a very important factor in this context is what perpetrators want: “The perpetrator wants to get to children and young people as easily as possible and without access restrictions.” She adds: “Perpetrators act strategically. “They have a face that they present to the outside world – for example to parents or other coaches – and one that they show to the athletes.”
Especially in competitive sports, the structures are in place that enable perpetrators to keep a lot of things secret. Many young athletes have set high goals for themselves and therefore accept a lot. Schröer explains that they don't say anything out of fear that they won't be able to realize their dream. Another aspect Schröer describes is that “those affected don’t say anything out of shame and don’t turn to anyone, or even perceive the scenario as normal.” The perpetrators also put pressure on those affected by threatening exclusion. “If those affected don’t keep quiet, they are no longer allowed to participate,” emphasizes Schröer. Ultimately, there are many factors that promote sexual violence and processes, especially in (competitive) sports, and that enable perpetrators to keep something secret.
To counteract this, Schröer explains what clubs could do to protect children and young people from sexual violence and abuse - and what is important in clubs and associations to recognize the behavior. There are several pillars on which to build in the prevention of sexual violence (PSG). “The clubs and coaches are one pillar,” says Schröer, “you also have to start with the athletes.” The expert recommends programs at all levels. “You shouldn’t put the burden on your children’s shoulders.” In clubs and associations it is particularly important that everyone pays attention, as in sport there is “an incredible level of trust that the perpetrators exploit.” There is a silence in the environment that needs to be broken.
Schröer recommends that clubs seek help from umbrella, specialist and state sports associations when it comes to PSG. In addition, in her opinion, it is extremely important as a club to know who the local contacts are. “If you really want it, you will find solutions, but everyone needs solutions for their requirements,” explains Schröer. A more demanding aspect of preventing sexual violence in associations and clubs is carrying out a risk analysis, as in DEB already done. It’s primarily about “questioning yourself.” But the most important principle is that everyone in the club or association keeps their eyes open and if something is noticed, it is addressed. We looked away long enough. We're looking!
Here go to the podcast episode with Meike Schröer.