Full Breakdown
Sexual Misconduct in UK Elite Sport: A Survey's Alarming Findings
1/21/2026, 8:17:41 PM
Overview of the Core Findings
A recent survey has revealed a significant sexual safety problem for women working in elite sport in the UK. Conducted by Lindsey Simpson and involving 260 respondents from the Women’s Sport Collective, the report titled *Women’s Experiences of Sexual Misconduct Working in UK Elite Sport* indicates that 88% of participants reported experiencing at least one form of sexual misconduct in the past five years. This misconduct includes harassment, assault, and rape, with 40% of respondents stating they had faced at least one form of sexual assault.
Key Statistics and Demographics
The survey categorized sexual misconduct into three types: harassment, assault, and rape. Notably, five respondents (2%) reported being raped in work-related contexts outside their primary workplace. Among those who identified as having a disability, the rate of reported abuse was significantly higher, highlighting a concerning intersectional issue. Simpson emphasized the need for further exploration of these findings, particularly regarding the experiences of disabled individuals.
Perpetrator Gender Dynamics
The survey also examined the gender of perpetrators, revealing that 93% of respondents who perceived sexual misconduct indicated that the perpetrator was male in most cases. Simpson acknowledged the established understanding that men are disproportionately responsible for sexual violence, while also recognizing the complexities faced by women who may experience misconduct from other women.
Organizational Response and Industry Impact
The survey results indicate a lack of confidence in the response of governing bodies and employers to address sexual misconduct. Only 38% of participants felt positively about governing bodies' efforts, and just 46% expressed confidence in their employers' actions. Simpson noted that 26% of respondents had no opinion on these matters, suggesting a pervasive uncertainty within the industry.
The report warns that organizations failing to address these issues may face legal, reputational, and commercial repercussions. Furthermore, the prevalence of sexual misconduct could hinder the industry's ability to attract and retain female talent, undermining efforts to enhance inclusivity and representation.
Call to Action
Simpson hopes that the survey's findings will validate the experiences of women in elite sport and prompt organizations to take meaningful action. She advocates for improved risk assessment and mitigation strategies to protect employees and foster a safer working environment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Was I surprised by the findings? No, but there is something very powerful about seeing the numbers … We know people don’t tend to report. So this gives an idea of the size and shape of the issue and gets quite specific into what actual behaviours we are talking about.” — Lindsey Simpson, Survey Conducter
- “if organisations are not meeting requirements in risk assessment and mitigation, as this research suggests many are not, they expose themselves to negative legal, reputational, and commercial consequences” — Lindsey Simpson, Survey Conducter
- “She also noted that this level of sexual misconduct may be harming the industry’s ability to attract and retain female talent, “undermining efforts to increase inclusivity and representation, and create more balanced and effective power structures that deliver better organisational outcomes”.” — Lindsey Simpson, Survey Conducter
Conclusion
The findings from this survey underscore a critical need for reform within the UK elite sports sector. By acknowledging the prevalence of sexual misconduct and taking proactive steps, organizations can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all employees.
