There is an urgent need for policy reforms in the country to ensure accountability and foster a safe sports culture for athletes to grow in an abuse-free environment.
Authors
Shaun Star, Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Trusha Modi, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
Sexual harassment is an area of concern within the field of sports globally. Abuse in sports encompasses a wide range of harmful behaviours, often intersecting and manifesting in multiple forms. These include sexual, physical, psychological, economic, online, and even subtle forms such as bullying and microaggressions (UNSECO and UN Women 2023). In India, a total of 45 reports regarding sexual harassment have emerged from 24 government-operated sports institutes between 2010 and 2020, according to the right to information (RTI) requests and official records (Vasavda 2020).
These cases have predominantly resulted in minimal (or no) consequences for the accused. Investigations into several of these complaints have lasted for years without reaching a resolution (Indian Express 2020). In addition, many incidents of sexual harassment in sports are unreported (Sangwan 2023). Therefore, in many cases, the accused are not held accountable, and athletes’ rights are not protected.
Published in: Economic & Political Weekly
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