I think when SafeSport is not clear in their communications it creates a basis for all these assumptions i.e, ''power of male partners'' etc. this is so untrue. It is as difficult to find a good female partner as it is to find a good male partner in ice dance at least.This was discussed a bit in one of the previous Coughlin threads. Potentially, it's not just age difference that is a problem. There is some thought that there's a general power imbalance between males and females in the partnered disciplines--ice dance and, especially, pairs skating. There tend to be fewer male partners available than females (at least in North America). This could inherently give males more power, and potentially the ability to abuse that power. Not just in a sexual way, but in other ways as well, such as by verbal abuse, lack of proper regard for their partner's safety, lack of willingness to overlook her faults/mistakes/injuries/flaws, financial exploitation of the partner and her family, and/or greater willingness on the part of coaches to overlook bad behavior from the male.
Obviously this is a very loaded and tough topic, but if there's a problem, it's better to recognize it than otherwise.
I kind of interpreted it that way as well. Although I'm not sure what if any power SafeSport has to create larger consequences.
The article is mostly based off the actual statement from SafeSport. Which apparently didn't include any specifics.