Violence in sports: we will track you… The Ministry of Sports more determined than ever in its fight.

The 2025 report from the Signal-Sport unit was made public this Thursday by Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. The report highlights a significant increase in reports of violence: 872 were collected, compared to 532 the previous year (+64%) and 363 in 2023 (+140%). All of them led to the opening of an administrative investigation by state services, and at least 39 of them ended up in the hands of public prosecutors, meaning at the criminal level. For now.

“This increase shows that people are speaking out, that the system is working, and that things are moving in the right direction,” believes Marina Ferrari. The minister is pleased to see this tool, created in 2020 after several prominent testimonies about long-buried abuses in the sports world, including that of former skater Sarah Abitbol, gaining strength year after year. Since 2023, it no longer only concerns sexist and sexual violence (VSS) but all types of violence (physical, psychological, etc.) and inappropriate behaviors.

In 2025, 206 administrative decisions were made urgently by prefects for situations revealing serious and imminent dangers. And following in-depth investigations, 58 perpetrators of violence faced permanent decisions, such as being banned from working as educators or leaders, the withdrawal of a professional card, or the outright removal from a structure.

“These are strong signals sent to all victims, to let them know that they can speak up, be heard, and be protected. It’s also a strong message to those who abuse their position: impunity has no place in sports,” states Marina Ferrari.

With some hindsight now, we can see certain trends emerging in the profile of the victims. They are mostly women: they account for 57% of reports in 2025, a figure that rises to 77% in cases of VSS. They are also mostly minors (67%), even more so in cases of sexual violence (76%). These proportions observed in 2025 correspond to the average established since the creation of the unit. As for the perpetrators of these violence, over 90% of them are men. More than half of them are volunteer educators in clubs.

These volunteers are now subject to an integrity check, like professional coaches. Each time a club hires someone to teach, they must declare it to the Ministry of Sports. The name is checked against a system linked to the Ministry of Justice’s database to verify if they have any sexual or violent offense record.

Over one million checks were carried out in 2025, and nearly five million since 2021. “This tool allows us to act preventively, to ensure that predators cannot operate,” emphasizes Marina Ferrari. These checks resulted in 414 bans for volunteer coaches last year and 567 for professional educators.

“This public action initiated at the time by Roxana Maracineau is essential and must continue,” says the minister. The trend is still rising in early 2026, with a 54% increase in reports compared to the first months of 2025. This is also because the ministry’s platform is becoming more well-known to the public. If you frequent sports venues, you have probably noticed large posters everywhere. A requirement since last May.

The important work done by associations like Colosse aux pieds d’argile or La voix de l’enfant is also bearing fruit. “All of this contributes to building a trusting relationship with the victims,” argues Jérémie Fournier, who has replaced Fabienne Bourdais as ministerial delegate dedicated to combating violence in sports.

Soon, e-sports will also be included. A blind spot in this fight against violence, this sector will be subject to measures, promises the High Commissioner for Children, Sarah El Haïry.

“More than 6 million minors play video games in France. Leaders must also undergo integrity checks,” she argues. France Esport and the video game publishers’ union are in favor. “This is a clear message to predators: we see you, we will track you down without respite,” asserts the High Commissioner with determination.