Preventing and addressing gender-based violence in sport: meanings, limitations, and policy perspectives on safeguarding in Italy

This article examines the challenges and limitations of current safeguarding policies in Italian sport, with particular attention to gender-based violence. Drawing on the sociology of sport and an intersectional, gendered lens, it argues that violence and discrimination are structurally embedded in sporting contexts and cannot be addressed through neutral or formalistic approaches. The analysis critically assesses Legislative Decree 36/2021 and highlights the need for safeguarding to be integrated with broader welfare policies that promote equity, well-being and structural prevention. The paper advocates for a systemic, culturally transformative approach grounded in intersectionality and collective responsibility and proposes strategic perspectives for more effective safeguarding practices.