2.7 Are some people more vulnerable to abuse?

Anyone may experience abuse – this is why organisations need policies and procedures to protect everyone. However, experience and research show that some groups are significantly more vulnerable than others.

‘Vulnerable’ refers to anyone in a position that means they are more exposed to the possibility of being abused. Vulnerable people need particular support and protection to reduce the risk of abuse.

Identify which groups are generally more vulnerable

Read all the different groups below and select the six groups that you think research has shown to be more vulnerable to abuse than others. Click on a tile to select it.

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The list of groups are as follows. Children from minority ethnic backgrounds. Athletes who are lesbian or gay. Children not from minority ethnic background. Athletes who are heterosexual. Middle-aged amateur male athletes. Older-aged amateur male athletes. Divorced athletes. Married athletes. Elite child athletes. Grassroots child athletes. Adult athletes with intellectual and/or learning disability. Adult athletes with no intellectual and/or learning disability. Young athletes from richer families. Young athletes from poorer families. Women athletes. Men athletes.

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A person’s vulnerability is affected by a range of factors, including but not limited to:

  • Age
  • Ability
  • Gender
  • Sexuality
  • Ethnicity
  • Religion
  • Socio-economic status
  • Geographical area
  • National level of sporting attainment (i.e. elite)

A person’s level of vulnerability can change as circumstances change. Someone who is vulnerable one day, might not be vulnerable the next – or someone that has never been particularly vulnerable may have a change in their circumstances that makes them vulnerable.

Vulnerability can be increased by entering new surroundings, moving away from home, travelling regularly to events, changing teams, or when children compete in adult environments. These are often referred to as forms of ‘transition’. The level of vulnerability can even change as the type of sport changes, from team sports to individual sports which carry different types of risks.

Next, you explore some groups that can be more vulnerable to abuse.

2.6 How are digital technologies used to bully and harass victims?

2.8 People with disability