Were there any additional villains?

Referring to the aforementioned article, it is crucial to shift the focus away from survivors and parents and work towards creating healthy sporting environments that prioritize athlete protection. This can be achieved through education initiatives and the establishment of codes of conduct. Instead of assigning blame, our objective should be to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Sexual abuse is not just an isolated issue; it is a public health concern that has far-reaching consequences, costing the nation billions. Blaming victims and shaming parents only exacerbates the problem by perpetuating stigma and hindering survivors from accessing necessary resources and recovering from trauma. The responsibility for abuse lies solely with the individuals who make the harmful choices. It is important to recognize that even individuals in positions of authority, such as coaches, can engage in abusive behavior. Just as we don’t blame students and parents when teachers cross boundaries, coaches must be held accountable for their actions as adults entrusted with guiding athletes.

The article highlights a coach-athlete relationship that exhibits signs of grooming, a manipulative and covert process. Coaches have been known to target athletes with both highly involved and less involved parents. It is often difficult to detect grooming, and it can happen right under our noses. Educating ourselves about the signs of grooming and promoting best practices in sporting environments can help prevent power imbalances, maintain clear boundaries, and foster healthy dynamics between coaches and athletes.

Kathryn McClain, Golden, Colo.

The writer is a program and partnerships director with #WeRideTogether, a nonprofit dedicated to ending sexual misconduct in sports.