Sexual Abuse of Youth Athletes : Federal Response and Prevention Efforts

Media reports of the sexual abuse of youth athletes by their coaches have raised questions about how athletic organizations protect against such abuse. Research shows that the power dynamic between coaches and athletes aiming for high performance makes those athletes uniquely vulnerable to abuse. Although states are primarily responsible for addressing abuse, federal laws may apply, such as those that prohibit sex discrimination, including sexual abuse, in federally-funded education programs, require reports of campus crimes, and set minimum standards for state child abuse reporting laws. This book examines the role of federal agencies in preventing and responding to sexual abuse of youth athletes; and steps selected athletic programs aimed at high performance take to prevent and respond to such abuse.