The Sport GVP project, launched in January 2024, is a collaborative initiative across Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Italy, and North Macedonia aimed at addressing gender-based violence (GBV) in sports. At its midpoint, the project has made significant strides in understanding and combating GBV within the sporting context. 

Key Findings and Challenges

Research conducted by Sport GVP has highlighted the pervasive nature of GBV in sports, manifesting as sexual harassment, emotional abuse, physical violence, and discrimination. These issues are prevalent across all levels of sport, from youth leagues to professional teams. Notably, in Cyprus, harmful behaviours have been normalised, and enforcement of GBV policies remains inconsistent. In Greece, cultural barriers and ineffective policy implementation hinder progress, while Italy faces challenges due to a lack of awareness and training, which are, in turn, caused by prevalent sexist socio-cultural norms among sports professionals. In Denmark, significant challenges exist in recognising and addressing GBV within its sports community. Sports organisations and clubs often prioritise logistical aspects over the well-being of participants, contributing to a lack of awareness around GBV, especially concerning vulnerable groups like young women. For North Macedonia, gender-based violence is widespread, with over 54% of women having experienced some form of violence since age 15, and sexual violence in sport often goes unreported due to fear and stigma. 

Strategic Interventions

To address these challenges, Sport GVP has implemented several strategic interventions:

• Comprehensive Training: Development of a training package for athletes, coaches, and staff to recognise and prevent GBV. 
• Policy Development: Establishment of clear and enforceable policies within sports organisations to address GBV. 
• Support Systems: Creation of robust support mechanisms, including counseling and legal assistance, for victims of GBV.
• Awareness Campaigns: Organisation of Info Days and awareness-raising events in participating countries to engage local communities. 

Looking Ahead

As the project progresses, Sport GVP launched an interactive eLearning platform to educate stakeholders on GBV prevention further. A final conference in Copenhagen, Denmark at the MOVE Congress 2025 will serve as a platform to share insights, best practices, and project outcomes, fostering collaboration for future initiatives. 

Through these concerted efforts, Sport GVP aims to create safer, more inclusive sports environments, ensuring that all individuals can participate without fear of violence or discrimination.

For more information, visit Sport GVP.

Image: AI generated on 23 May 2025.