Toxic culture in college sports has been a long-standing issue that affects women college athletes in many ways, including sexual assault and harassment. This issue needs to be addressed, and universities need to take steps to create a safer and more supportive environment for women college athletes. Here are some ways in which toxic culture affects women college athletes and how universities can address this issue:
- Normalization of Sexual Harassment and Assault
- Lack of Support from Institutions
- Power Imbalances
- Lack of Education on Consent
- Culture of Fear
Toxic culture in college sports can normalize sexual harassment and assault, making it more likely for women college athletes to experience such incidents. Women college athletes who experience sexual assault and harassment may not receive adequate support from their institutions. This can create power imbalances that make it easier for coaches and other authority figures to engage in sexual harassment and assault. Many universities do not provide adequate education on consent, which can contribute to a culture where sexual assault and harassment are more likely to occur. Women college athletes may fear retaliation or not be taken seriously if they report incidents of sexual assault and harassment. Universities need to have adequate policies and procedures in place to address sexual assault and harassment. They need to provide education on consent to help women college athletes understand what constitutes sexual assault and harassment.
By investing in the experience for the athletes, colleges demonstrate that women athletes are valued, which could increase interest. There is a massive disparity in the media coverage of women’s sports. Nearly 90% of sports media coverage is dedicated to men’s sports. This needs to change, and universities need to market women’s sports to increase interest and support.
In conclusion, toxic culture in college sports affects sexual assault and harassment in women college athletes. Universities need to take steps to address this issue, including providing education on consent, implementing policies and procedures to address sexual assault and harassment, and creating a culture where women college athletes feel safe and supported in reporting incidents of sexual assault and harassment. By doing so, universities can help create a safer and more supportive environment for women college athletes.