As per the federal government, new safe sport initiatives are “not meant to replace existing resources or other helplines, but rather to complement them to properly guide Canadians and sport organizations when they are facing issues of harassment, abuse and discrimination.”
Reporting abuse in sport
Individuals should report any suspicions or concerns about child abuse to their local Children's Aid Society and, where appropriate, to the police. Individuals may also have a responsibility to advise the sports organization they belong to or are associated with.
Individuals should report any suspicions or concerns about misconduct and/or abuse involving adults as per the policies and reporting mechanisms of the sports organization they belong to or are associated with. Individuals belonging to or associated with a national sport organization, multisport service organization, or Canadian sport centre who is a program signatory, can also make use of the services available through the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).
The OSIC acts as the central pillar of Abuse-Free-Sport and is set to administer complaints related to violations of the Universal Code of Conduct to Address and Prevent Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). The OSIC also offers support services, such as legal aid and mental health referrals, which are part of a robust, trauma-informed system where everyone involved will be treated with fairness and compassion.
The Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) established the Canadian Sport Helpline project to provide professional listening and referral services by phone or text at 1-888-83-SPORT (77678) or by email at info@abuse-free-sport.ca, from 8am to 8pm EST, seven days a week. The Helpline is a reference source to other existing resources across the country and is a key component of the new mechanism's complaint intake and triaging process. The Canadian Sport Helpline can also provide advice, guidance, and resources on how to proceed for those who are unsure or in need of additional information and support.
In cases of immediate danger and emergencies, individuals should call call 911. Criminal or illegal activity should also be reported to the local police (either 911 or non-emergency numbers depending on the nature of the situation).
Organizations and resources
- Locate a Children's Aid SocietyList of Children's Aid Societies and Indigenous Child Well-being Societies in Ontario
- Duty to reportInformation on the duty to report which applies to every person who has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection
- Canadian Sport HelplineNational toll-free helpline providing advice, guidance, and resources on how to proceed or intervene appropriate in cases of suspected abuse, harassment, discrimination and bullying
- Making it SafeR: Preventing sexual abuse of children, a guide for Ontario sport organizations [2002]While dated and still referencing the Child and Family Services Act (which has since been replaced by the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act), this set of resources from the Ontario government provides information on the appropriate response to suspected or alleged child abuse in sports organizations
