The Equestrian Version of #MeToo and #TimesUp
By: Brittany Bevis
The #MeToo movement dominated news cycles in October of 2017 when hundreds of women made allegations of sexual misconduct against former American film producer Harvey Weinstein. A tweet by actress, Alyssa Milano, encouraged others to reply with the phrase if, they too, were a victim of sexual violence.
In a similar fashion, the #TimesUp movement gained in popularity, because it focuses on solution-based practices that lead to equity and safety in the workplace. Then, of course, there was the 2017 USA Gymnastics scandal, where former team doctor, Larry Nassar, was accused of sexual abuse by more than 100 young, female athletes and sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison.
It Couldn’t Happen To Us
What all these events have in common is a shocking and pervasive fault in today’s society that results in the normalization of sexual crimes, shame and unbelief when it comes to reporting crimes, and a lack of resources for victims. But, this couldn’t happen in the equestrian world… could it?
One in 10 children will be sexually abused by the age of 18, and 90% of victims know their abusers, (Darkness to Light, 2017). Studies show that 7% of all athletes are victims of sexual assault, elite athletes have higher rates than lower-level athletes, and females are more likely to be abused than males (Psychology Today, 2017). The statistics that show the breakdown of sexual abuse by gender are staggering- 90% involve an older male and a younger female.1 Furthermore, the risk is greater when there are unsupervised practice times, trips away, time spent in a coach’s home or car, ect.
Then, there is a phenomenon known as Athlete Domestic Violence (ADV), where an athlete finds themselves in a ‘perceived’ relationship with a coach, regardless of consent or age. Because of the unique power dynamic between an athlete and his/her trainer, the coach always has a “structural power advantage,” because the athlete has something to risk- a college scholarship, dreams of a World Championship, playing time, ect. The risk of speaking out could mean retaliation by the coach, feelings of disappointing team mates or parents, or, the more dangerous, when an athlete believes his/her success is due to the coach and cannot be achieved without his/her guidance (Huffington Post, 2017).
To recap, sexual abuse is possible in all sports, especially those of an elite nature (check), with a high predominance of young females (check), and where a lot is at stake for the athlete’s future (check). Sound familiar?
A Code For The Equine Industry
With that in mind, The American Horse Council (AHC) recently announced a Safe Sport Code of Practice for the equestrian industry, which states the following:
To behave ethically necessitates an awareness of power differentials among all persons involved. This statement is intended to inform ethical judgments as persons consider asymmetric power relations among themselves and others they work with in professional roles. We recognize that this statement’s strength and requisite influence depend on its circulation, discussion, reflection, and use by the equine industry. It is the industry’s expectation that all equine organizations recognize “Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017” and US Center for Safe Sport, and adopt programs to support these initiatives.
AHC President Julie Broadway says the reputation and integrity of equestrian sports is maintained, only when all persons involved act, and are seen to act, in a way that reflects the highest ethical standards. “The #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have further brought to light the importance of maintaining a safe environment for all, and the equine industry is no exception to this.”
The statement includes a four-proved approach:
- Commitment to contributing to an environment, which makes participation a positive and rewarding experience.
- Commitment to creating and maintaining a community where all persons who participate in equine related programs and activities can work, learn, and compete in an atmosphere free of all forms of emotional, physical and sexual harassment and misconduct.
- Commitment to protecting the rights, safety, dignity, and well-being of the persons involved in all aspects of our industry, thus condemning all forms of harassment, regardless of whether it is based on age, ethnicity, race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion or marital status.
- Commitment to providing just treatment in cases of disputes and that there are proper and accessible mechanisms that are available in a timely manner to resolve disputed issues through due process.
New Laws
Something else to keep in mind is that, in February of 2018, a bill was signed into law that intends to help protect young victims from sexual assault in the sports world. It’s referred to as S. 534 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017. The law extends the duty to report suspected child abuse, within 24 hours, to “certain adults who are authorized to interact with minors or amateur athletes at a facility under the jurisdiction of a national governing body” (meaning an amateur sports organization that’s recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, such as the United States Equestrian Federation). In addition, any individuals who do not report suspected abuse are subject to criminal penalties. The law also designates the United States Center for SafeSport “to serve as the independent national safe sport organization, with the responsibility for developing policies and procedures to prevent the emotional, physical, and sexual abuse of amateur athletes.”
The SafeSport framework defines the following terms as
- Psychological Abuse- “any unwelcome act including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilism, or any other treatment which may diminish the sense of identity, dignity, and self worth.”
- Physical Abuse- “any deliberate and unwelcome act- such as, for example, punching, beating, kicking, biting, and burning- that causes physical trauma or injury. Such act can also consist of forced or inappropriate physical activity (eg. age- or physique- inappropriate training loads; when injured or in pain), forced alcohol consumption, or forced doping practices.
- Sexual Harassment– “any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, which is unwelcome, or where consent is coerced, manipulated, or cannot be given.”
- Neglect– “the failure of a coach or another person with a duty of care towards the athlete to provide a minimum level of care to the athlete, which is causing harm, allowing harm to be caused, or creating imminent danger of harm.”
What Parents Can Do
It’s also important for parents to keep a watchful eye out for what are referred to as “red flag behaviors.” (CBS News, 2017)
#1- Spending one-on-one time with a child, such as in a private practice session.
#2- Singling out a child for special attention or gifts.
#3- Touching in a way that’s not related to the sport.
#4- Telling inappropriate or sexual jokes.
#5- Commenting on a child’s appearance, when not related to the sport.
In case you’d like to print out a PDF of the American Horse Council’s Code for your barn or local equine club. Click here: http://www.horsecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Safe-Sport-Code-of-Practice.pdf
Related Links-
What is the Time’s Up Movement and the #MeToo Movement- Time
Child and Sexual Abuse & Sports: Resources- CBS News
1. Kirby, S.L., Greaves, L. and Hankivsky, O (2000) The Dome of Silence: Sexual Harassment and Abuse in Sport, Fernwood, Halifax.
