News Release

Sexual abuse in hockey focus of U of G lecture

Laura Robinson, a sports journalist and author, will speak on her recent book "Crossing the Line: Violence and Sexual Assault in Canada's National Sport," at the University of Guelph Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). Her presentation is sponsored by the University's Human Rights and Equity Office.
The book looks at the widespread institutionalized abuse in junior hockey, including its effect on women. Robinson's talk, entitled "Sexual Harassment in a Sports Culture," will be held in Peter Clark Hall, located in the lower level of the University Centre. A question and answer session will follow. The event is free and open to the public.

"A lot of people involved in hockey say this (the abuse) is an anomaly, that with 300,000 registered hockey players there are bound to be some bad apples," Robinson said. But abuse is systematic, she said. "People in positions of power allow it to continue even if they are not the abuser themselves."

Robinson, who also wrote "She Shoots, She Scores: Canadian Perspectives on Women in Sport," is an athlete who has competed nationally in cycling and Nordic skiing. Her work on sports and gender issues has appeared nationally in magazines and newspapers and on television and radio. She worked with the CBC's fifth estate to produce the documentary "Thin Ice," which looked at initiations and sexual abuse in junior hockey.

Her presentation is supported by the University's Women's Campus Safety Initiatives Fund. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and sign language interpretation will be provided.

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