Course Overview

The various web pages that address the topic under study highlight the importance of the population learning to identify and know how to act when a situation of violence and abuse is occurring.

The importance of the population learning to identify and know how to act when a situation of violence and abuse is occurring.

First of all, it's important to understand the term. safeguarding and safe sport, as well as its principles. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand what is meant by violence and abuse against children and young people. Beyond this general concept, it is considered appropriate to know how to identify the different types of violence and abuse that exist: physical, psychological, sexual (including sexual harassment and sexual abuse) and neglect, as well as to mention the long-term psychological and physical consequences that minor victims may suffer.

It should also be noted that this work will focus on abuses that occur in the context of sports.

It is considered essential to include a section that references the main international regulations concerning violence and abuse against children and young people. It is fundamental to be familiar with the legislation governing this matter, which is binding on all United Nations member states. With regard to the Olympic movement, the most important standard is the Consensus Declaration of the International Olympic Committee: interpersonal violence and safeguarding in sports (2024).

Similarly, another module included in the program concerns how to act when it is detected that a minor is being victimized by violence and abuse. This module reinforces the importance of having an established reporting system and the obligation to act upon suspicion or disclosure of mistreatment.

Furthermore, it is considered relevant to understand the benefits of sports practice for children and young people, provided a safe environment is guaranteed, as sport is a space where they learn a multitude of personal and physical skills. Unfortunately, children and young people can also be at risk when they are in a sporting context. Violence and abuse in sport cannot be ignored; sport is not immune, and it occurs much more frequently than one might imagine, regardless of gender, age, geographic region, sport, or level of competition. Thus, all sports organizations that use sport as a tool, and the people involved, have a duty to care for their participants, particularly when it comes to children and young people or other vulnerable populations. We have a responsibility to ensure that sport is fun and enjoyable and that we keep children and young people safe and out of danger while they practice sport.

General and specific objectives of the course:

The purpose of this course is to equip participants to identify, prevent, and act upon situations of violence and abuse against children and young people in the context of sports, promoting their role as agents of change and members of a more aware and prepared community.

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

1. Understanding and applying fundamental concepts of safeguarding in sports.
2. Identify appropriate preventive measures.
3. Respond appropriately in contexts of suspected or revealed abuse.

Estimated course completion time:

2 hours.

Guest expert:

Cristina Almeida.

This course is supported by the Cape Verdean Olympic Committee and its Olympic Academy through Olympic Solidarity within the Community365 program.