Samantha Burelle, Karl Erickson, Parissa Safai

Higher education sports are environments where sexual violence (SV) can occur, and student‑athletes may be both victims and perpetrators (Abrams & Bartlett, 2019). Between 29% and 45% of student‑athletes report experiencing SV (Adhia et al., 2023; Desrochers‑Laflamme & Bergeron, 2024; Parent et al., 2022), yet fewer than 10% disclose these incidents to their institutions (Adhia et al., 2022). Nearly half also report mental health consequences and academic or athletic difficulties following victimization (Desrochers‑Laflamme & Bergeron, 2024). Identifying risk factors and barriers to disclosure is therefore essential to preventing SV and its perpetuation in higher education sports.This presentation examines findings from a study exploring student‑athletes’ perceptions of SV, including their understanding of SV, contexts associated with risk of victimization, and barriers to disclosure. Thirteen semi‑structured interviews lasting 45 to 60 minutes were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis.Student‑athletes described SV as a spectrum of behaviors and identified multiple contexts that may facilitate it. Individual risk factors emerged, such as sexual and gender diversity, alongside relational factors including power dynamics specific to sport environments. Community and societal risk factors were also noted, particularly those embedded in sport structures and culture. Barriers to disclosure included fear of repercussions on athletic performance, a culture of silence, and the normalization of violence in sport. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions in higher education sports, earlier prevention efforts, and broader cultural change within sport settings.