Basque study finds 20 percent of youth sports participants experienced sexual behavior from coaches

Sexual violence against minors in sports remains a largely unnoticed reality, according to a report by the GIKAFIT research group at EHU in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country. The study indicates that this issue is not an isolated phenomenon, with data showing that 20% of participants had experienced behavior of a sexual nature from their coaches. These reported incidents included kissing on the lips, expressions of sexual interest, and direct proposals for sexual relations.

The findings suggest that actions not typically perceived as abuse in youth sports may constitute part of sexual violence. The report highlights the prevalence of such conduct from coaches toward young athletes, emphasizing the need to recognize these behaviors within the context of sexual violence against minors.