Sexual Harassment Consequences for Female Athletes and Prevention in Greek Sports 

Stiliani Chroni, Anna Kourtesopoulou, & Olga Kouli

Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Hellas 

Abstract

The main objective of the present paper is to thoroughly review the operational definitions of sexualharassment as those presented by the European Union and international women’s sports organizations, along with research evidence on psychological, social, and day-to-day consequences of sexual harassmentexperiences for female athletes. The secοndary objective is to discuss some ideas and policies for the prevention and elimination of sexual harassment occurrences. To suport the necesity for developing anti- harassment and harassment-free policies in Greece, preliminary data from a research project conducted in Greece is presented. The preliminary data from the gender relations’ study in Greece shows that sexual harassment occurrences are indeed a reality (Chroni & Fasting, 2005; Chroni, Fasting, & Knorre, 2006). Overall,71% of female participants reported having experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lives. It is apparent that a working relationship, even in the form of collaboration, as the coach-athlete relationship is often perceived, is a situation where some form of ‘functional dependency’ is present which then places the harassed person in a vulnerable position. Seeing that sexual harassment depends on the person by situation interaction, the consequences following these experiences usually influence multiple dimensions of a woman’s life inside and outside sports. The implications for prevention and elimination of sexual harassment occurrences that are discussed look upon the policies which are in effect in other countries, the Euro- pean Parliament resolutions, and the global challenge to promote safe sporting experiences for girls and women.

Key words: Sexual harassment, consequences, policies, female athletes, Greece