Marilyn Hawes on Abuse in Sport

In this compelling episode of Heart and Soul on Unprecedented TV, host Marilyn Hawes, CEO of Freedom From Abuse, sits down with Professor Melanie Lang, a leading expert in safeguarding and children’s rights in sport at Edge Hill University. The discussion delves into the sobering realities of athletic abuse, supported by large-scale European data indicating that 75% of adults experienced at least one form of abuse in sport before age 18. The statistics for the UK are particularly stark: 65–66% reported psychological violence, 44% physical violence, 37% neglect, 35% non-contact sexual violence, and 20% contact sexual abuse.

Professor Lang reflects on her personal history as a Team GB youth swimmer and the impact of high-profile cases, such as the 17-year prison sentence handed to Olympic coach Paul Hickson in the 1990s. The conversation also addresses systemic vulnerabilities in sports like gymnastics and tennis, referencing the Wrexham Tennis Centre scandal involving Daniel Sanders. Hawes contributes her own experiences with questionable coaching in school hockey, leading to a broader debate on the "DBS gap" for freelance coaches, the prevalence of eating disorders—which are four times higher among athletes—and the intersection of abuse with racism and homophobia, citing the experiences of figures like Tom Daley.

A Critical Warning

While acknowledging the immense benefits of sport for mental and physical health, the episode serves as a critical warning about the high-risk nature of these environments when safeguarding fails. The dialogue concludes with a call for systemic reform, including mandatory reporting and the establishment of a sports ombudsman. For parents and professionals, the takeaway is clear: active engagement and "staying to watch" are vital layers of protection. Key themes include:

• Safeguarding Statistics: 75% reporting abuse; 20% reporting contact sexual abuse.

• Coach Grooming: Insights into swimming, gymnastics, and tennis.

• Athlete Wellness: Addressing overtraining, body shaming, and peer-on-peer abuse.

• Preventative Action: The role of parental supervision and closing DBS loopholes.