Unpacking Abuse Dynamics in Athletics
How Abusers Maintain Power in Sports
Abuse in sports is not always physical. It often involves subtle patterns of coercion, manipulation, and control that silence athletes and protect abusers. The Assist’s Abuse in Sport Power & Control Wheel outlines the tactics perpetrators use within sport environments—highlighting how authority, trust, and culture are exploited to maintain abuse. This tool is essential for coaches, administrators, parents, and service providers to recognize the warning signs and stop cycles of harm. The Abuse in Sport Power and Control Wheel does the following:
- Provides a visual breakdown of common abuse tactics in athletics.
- Educate institutions, families, and service providers based on athlete survivors’ experiences.
- Helps identify patterns of emotional, verbal, and psychological control, and abuse.
