The groundbreaking research initiative within the RISE Project, has completed a comprehensive study examining the prevalence of sexual violence in sports across six European partner countries: Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, Italy, and Spain. This collaborative effort provides a crucial, comparative look into how sexual violence manifests within varying cultural, social, and institutional contexts in the realm of athletics.

Focusing on the voices and experiences of young athletes aged 18 to 30, the study highlights this demographic as particularly vulnerable—due to their psychosocial development, dependency on authority figures, and often limited understanding of their rights or reporting mechanisms.

In addition to athletes, the study engaged with coaches, trainers, administrative staff, and sports organization leaders. These stakeholders play key roles in shaping both the risks and solutions related to safeguarding in sport. Their insights reveal critical gaps in institutional policies and help identify opportunities for systemic change.

By incorporating diverse regional perspectives and addressing power dynamics within sport, the RISE study offers a holistic and deeply informative overview of sexual violence across roles and countries. Its findings serve as a catalyst for reform, offering actionable recommendations aimed at fostering safer, more inclusive sporting environments throughout Europe.

View the RISE Comprehensive Report “Prevalence of Sexual Violence in Sports in English, Greek, Bulgarian, Italian, Spanish and German HERE.