Investigating Gender-Based Violence Experienced by Female Coaches and How Trauma-Informed Research Approaches Were Used to Prevent Further Harm

Investigating Gender-Based Violence Experienced by Female Coaches and How Trauma-Informed Research Approaches Were Used to Prevent Further Harm

In this chapter, we discuss the research approach used to investigate how male coaches carried out gender-based violence on female coaches, in the context of Swimming Australia. Practices of violence explored include the deployment of literal and ideological force to (re)create a gendered order, within a swim coaching subculture. The chapter provides an overview of the challenges that female coaches face in their workplace along with the subsequent trauma that resulted as they navigated a highly gendered subculture. The research methodology, method, and how trauma-informed approaches (i.e., physical, and psychological safety, and cultural, historical, and gender issues) were integrated, are outlined. How these approaches might benefit participants by minimising further harm to them is also highlighted. We further explain how storied data-based methods can serve as pedagogical forms of understanding of gender-based violence in coaching by providing opportunities for the wider community to understand more about trauma. Points of tension within the research process are discussed, and three suggestions (e.g., focus on intersectional stems of privilege and oppression, gender differentials, and working with cultural insiders) for how future trauma research may be carried out are identified.