Gender violence, sport and physical activity: perceptions of sport science students

Abstract Gender-based violence is a problem present in our society, whose perception by university students is essential to understand its impact. The aim of the study was to analyse the perception of students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences and Physical Education of the University of A Coruña about gender violence in society, in themselves and in sport. The research that has been carried out is cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive. A questionnaire was used as an instrument for collecting information, whose items have been analyzed in a descriptive or inferential way depending on the block. Male participants have shown a less pronounced perception of gender violence compared to female participants. However, all participants agreed on the importance of the role of the Physical Education professional in preventing gender violence and the need to include this topic in university curricula. Students expressed support for the inclusion of content on gender violence content in university programs. In line with previous studies, female participants showed greater involvement in activities aimed at combating violence. The participants in this study demonstrate a sound understanding of the different dimensions of gender-based violence, acknowledging that many cases go unreported. They are able to identify situations in which gender violence occurs, as well as the various forms of violence present in society.