Respect in Action – Building Safe and Inclusive Sport

Acknowledging the key role of sporting clubs in the prevention of gender-based violence, this week saw the launch of local and state-wide initiatives aimed at building safe and inclusive sporting communities.

During Family Violence Prevention Month, the Respect in Action – Building Safe and Inclusive Sport event welcomed more than 80 representatives from local councils, regional sport assemblies, sport leagues and associations, community clubs, prevention sector and government to showcase three new pieces of work happening across sporting clubs and regional facilities to progress gender equality and contribute to the prevention of gender-based violence in our community.

Sport and Recreation Victoria presented their new Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing gender-based violence Guide, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust announced their Respect at Our Stadium action plan, and The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre’s (The SAFV Centre) shared their new Respect Starts Here video resources.

The event was led by Rueben Williams, sexual assault victim survivor and Founder of SportsGrad, and welcomed Mr Tim Richardson MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Men’s Behaviour Change on behalf of the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP. Minister Richardson highlighted the important role of sport in creating safe and respectful communities.

“Sport has the power to shape attitudes and influence change. By fostering safe and inclusive environments, we can challenge harmful behaviours and build a culture of respect—on and off the field. These initiatives are a vital step in preventing gender-based violence and promoting equality in every club and community.”

Sport plays a significant role in preventing gender-based violence by promoting positive social norms and challenging harmful stereotypes, providing opportunities for girls and women to participate, and fostering respectful relationships. By creating inclusive and safe environments in sports, clubs can influence attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence against women, fostering a culture of equality and respect.

The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre’s Respect Starts Here program is a whole-of-club program that supports gender equality, promotes respect in our community and contributes to the prevention of violence against women. Respect Starts Here works with clubs to identify and break gendered stereotypes and builds participants skills to be active bystanders, calling out harmful and disrespectful attitudes and behaviours.

To further the reach of the program and ensure clubs have resources to reinforce the essential actions, The SAFV Centre has developed digital resources, including two videos, for clubs on the important role they play in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

Kerriann Campbell Jones, CEO The SAFV Centre said “Gender equality in sport matters. Our Respect Starts Here program is dedicated to taking action to promote respect and equality, and challenge disrespectful attitudes and behaviours in sporting clubs. Together, we’re empowering clubs to foster inclusive and supportive environments where all members can thrive – both on and off the field. These new digital resources will support them as they implement the Respect Starts Here program within their clubs.”

Sport and Recreation Victoria’s new Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing gender-based violence Guide provides 10 guiding principles, case studies and practical tools to support state sporting associations, regional sports assemblies, women’s health and community health services, local councils, and other organisations working together to develop and implement prevention of gender-based violence projects in community sport settings.

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust’s Respect at Our Stadium action plan aims to address some of the behaviours and attitudes that drive gender-based violence – attitudes and behaviours that can be seen and compounded in the stadium setting.

The action plan channels the power of this iconic venue, harnesses the community’s sense of pride and belonging at Kardinia Park and leans into the stadium’s unique sphere of influence.

Gerard Griffin, CEO Kardinia Park Stadium Trust said: “We look forward to re-imagining the role of the venue in preventing gender-based violence.  We will collaborate with our Victorian Government partners and primary-prevention agencies to evolve the offering but most importantly, we will bring our venue hirers and the fans – our community on the journey with us.”

To end gender-based violence, we all need to play our part. We are proud to have so many local sporting clubs and organisations attend this event to help contribute to society free from sexual and family violence.