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The Grooming Process in Sport

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Abstract

This chapter seeks to show the grooming process in action and the subtle ways the triangulated relationship advances in order for a coach to act on their intent to abuse an athlete in their care. A discussion of the grooming process in relation to David Finklehor’s proposed model of child sexual abuse work and Brackeridge’s adaptations for sport precedes Bella’s memories of abuse via vignettes and poems. Bella’s story aims to draw the reader in to her experiences of abuse so they may be able to empathise, resonate and understand the abuse at a deeper and more complex level. The chapter ends with considerations of links to three main types of coaches in the sport typology.

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Owton, H. (2016). The Grooming Process in Sport. In: Sexual Abuse in Sport. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46795-5_3

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