Trauma Informed Care Workshops
Following a two-part Vicsport workshop, a Victoria University report has been published which unpacks key practices, policies and initiatives based on Trauma Informed Care Principles to prevent child abuse and promote safety in sport.
Run across two sessions in September and October 2024, the Trauma Informed Care workshops were hosted by Vicsport and run by Victoria University experts Dr Aurelie Pankowiak, Dr Mary Woessner and Professor Alex Parker.
The workshops blended evidence-based information and activities to engage participants in real-world scenarios. Working their way through a foundational understanding of trauma-informed practice, participants then applied those skills to disclosures of abuse and identified gaps in the implementation of trauma-informed principles within their organisations.
“As part of the delivery of the workshops, our team developed a fairly comprehensive resource,” wrote Dr Mary Woessner. “[This] resource is an excellent reflective tool that can help individuals scan their organisation's policies and practices for alignment with the Trauma Informed Principles.”
The report encourages the continuation of Child Safe Sport Community of Practices, citing their usefulness in providing a place for participants to discuss specific scenarios and/or challenges they are experiencing.
Promoting the message that everyone has a responsibility to respond to concerns of abusive behaviours in sport was also highly recommended.
“While many volunteers may not have a formal investigative role in relation to abuse in sport, all individuals should be confident and have the skills to be able to listen, believe and support the victims, children and families disclosing experiences of abuse in sport,” the report states.
“Believing, listening, supporting – and giving control and choice - is of the upmost importance for the healing, justice and recovery of the victim/survivor and other people impacted.”
Vicsport’s Child Safe Sport webpage features guidance on who to contact for assistance, including Vicsport Participation and Inclusion Manager Michaela Cook as well as external resources such as the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Child Protection).
