Increasing Demand for Support Highlighted in 2024 Vera Sport Case Numbers

Vienna - The vera* Sport trust center, operational since 2022 and managed by the 100% Sport association, has revealed an alarming rise in the need for support in the realm of sports-related harassment and violence. During the Safe Sport Conference on April 3, 2025, the statistics for 2024 were disclosed, indicating that the center handled a total of 96 reported cases, averaging two cases per week.

Analysis of the reported incidents shows that these violations predominantly occur in routine sporting settings. The distribution of incidents is as follows:

• In training sessions: 39%
• During training camps or overnight situations: 23%
• At competitions: 22%
• In sports facilities: 7%
• In digital environments: 6%

Among the various types of violence reported, psychological abuse was the most frequently cited form. The breakdown of reported violence is as follows:

• Psychological/Emotional abuse: 40%
• Physical abuse: 37.5%
• Sexualized violence: 18.8%
• Neglect: 3.8%

This year's Safe Sport Conference focused on the theme "Invisible Wounds: Recognizing and Preventing Psychological Violence in Sports," emphasizing the pervasive issue of psychological abuse in the sporting world.

The president of 100% Sport, Rosa Diketmüller, has called for a commitment to uniform guidelines in the industry. She noted that psychological violence in sports is deeply entrenched and can leave lasting impacts on individuals. The statistics provided by the trust center corroborate international research indicating that this form of abuse is the most prevalent yet often remains unnoticed. Diketmüller stressed the necessity for enhanced protective measures and support services, urging both political and sporting bodies to acknowledge the need for standardized protocols and procedures.

The conference featured prominent experts from Austria and Germany who offered critical insights through engaging presentations and practical discussions, merging psychological, legal, and sports-related perspectives. A noteworthy contribution was made by Dr. Jeannine Ohlert from the German Sport University in Cologne, who discussed strategies for fostering a positive and violence-free training environment.

The SAFE SPORT Conference is an annual initiative organized by 100% Sport, which serves as Austria's center for gender competence and safe sports. The primary aim of the event is to promote violence prevention in sports and to advocate for sustainable transformations that ensure a safer sporting environment.