Sexual abuse of children in amateur sporting clubs under investigation

Sexual abuse of children and vulnerable young people in amateur sporting clubs at the hands of volunteers, parents and paid coordinators, is still occurring today.

What we have seen to come out of the Gymnastics Australia inquiry is that the processes and checks in place were not consistent across all clubs, across the local, state and federal levels. Processes to ensure the wrong people are not getting access to children need to be examined more closely and better regulated within children’s local community sporting clubs.

We are investigating sexual abuse claims within amateur sporting clubs around Australia, following children being subjected to sexual abuse and predatory behaviour. It’s a sad fact that children can be at risk of abuse by simply participating in physical activities within their local sporting club. We have seen it across multiple codes – from junior cricket, swimming, taekwondo, to surf lifesaving, soccer and football.

These clubs have a duty of care to ensure the individuals entrusted with caring for children and young people are appropriately vetted and screened before they have access to children.

Currently, each state and territory requires working with children checks to work with children but these processes differ depending on the location. In the past, clubs have simply not done enough in their power to protect minors from harm. Sadly, abuse is still continuing today, and we are failing our children by letting this happen.

We know it takes survivors an average of 22 years to disclose abuse, so even when it does happen today, more likely than not that it will not come out for some time. Sexual abuse has really come to the forefront in the last decade or so, it’s spoken about more, including the devastating impact it can have on people’s lives. Children should be encouraged to come forward and speak to a trusted adult about what they are going through.

If you are being abused, tell a trusted adult in your life or report it to Victoria Police or NSW police. Support is available for abuse and sexual assault survivors below:

Headspace: 1800 650 890; https://headspace.org.au/

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800; https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Blue Knot Foundation: 1300 657 380; https://www.blueknot.org.au/

Bravehearts: 1800 272 831; https://bravehearts.org.au/

Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault: 1800 806 292; https://casa.org.au/

NSW Child & Adolescent Sexual Assault Counsellors: (02) 9601 3790; www.casac.org.au