Staying silent is not possible for many survivors of sexual violence. Under the intense eye of the media, it takes a lot of determination and grit for survivors of sexual violence to tell their story publicly, especially if they are a professional athlete.
Take for an example the recent case of Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai who alleged a Chinese government official sexually assaulted her while he was serving in office. Since Shuai shared her story, she hasn’t been seen publicly, leading to global concern around her safety and whereabouts.
Many in the tennis world, including the Women’s Tennis Association, Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka, and men’s tennis champion Novak Djokovic, have rallied behind Shuai calling for an investigation of the allegations.
We can also look at the story of Kyle Beach who chose to tell his story of sexual assault this past October. Beach, a Canadian professional hockey player, stated he was sexually assaulted by a Chicago Blackhawks video coach in 2010, the year the team won the Stanley Cup.
The issue at the time was brought to the senior management of the team who stated they would take action, but nothing happened. Radio silence. Beach had to watch the Stanely Cup hoisted up by his alleged abuser.
Fast forward to a decade later, Beach files a lawsuit against the Blackhawks organization, which triggered an investigation by the league. Beach was listed at first as “John Doe” in the lawsuit in order to maintain his anonymity.
After Beach spoke out publicly about the incident, it triggered an avalanche within the Chicago Blackhawks organization, the NHL and hockey culture. What people are seeking out perhaps is sweeping change within the NHL in how the league addresses allegations of sexual assault and abuse.
The changes so far include the removal of the alleged abuser’s name from the Stanley Cup, the resignations of two former Blackhawks coaches and an apology from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Bettman has said he intends to address the issue of abuse within the league.
We know Beach is not the only player in professional sports with a similar story. One can easily name drop a few former players who have also disclosed they are survivors of sexual abuse like Theo Fleury and Sheldon Kennedy.
The conversation has now turned towards sport culture that at times, could emphasize the concept of ‘team’ over an individual’s impact and detriment. Is the cost of winning at times born on the backs of victims? Did the Blackhawks turn a blind eye purposefully on Beach in order to pursue the NHL’s highest prize?
We can clearly learn a lot from Kyle Beach and how hockey and sports culture deal with disclosures of sexual abuse.
The Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, the provincial entity representing sexual assault centres in the province, offers First Responder to Sexual Assault and Abuse Training. This training is designed to educate individuals about social, cultural and legal aspects of sexual assault and abuse, which then enables them to recognize, define and respond appropriately to the continuum of behaviours that constitute sexual assault and abuse.
It is recognized that survivors who receive safe and supportive responses to disclosures of sexual violence are more likely to reach out for help and/or report to the police. To disclose past abuse requires trust as well as a profound hope that no judgment will be passed and that assistance will be provided.
Workplaces, organizations and institutions should take ownership and mark with high importance of creating safe and accessible spaces for staff to not only support, but respond to those who choose to disclose sexual abuse.
CASASC offers a 24 hour help line for those looking for support with dealing with sexual violence impacts. Call or text 1-866-956-1099, or webchat at www.casasc.ca for confidential support, information and referrals.
Sarah Maetche is the communications and administration manager at the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Centre.