Rates of violence in kids community sport
STATEMENT FROM SAMMY D FOUNDATION, IN RESPONSE TO VICTORIA UNIVERSITY’S STUDY HIGHLIGHTING RATES OF VIOLENCE IN CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY SPORT
Considering today’s published research from the Victoria University, suggesting that children experience high rates of violence in community sport (via the ABC), The Sammy D Foundation would like to emphasize the ongoing need for further education and awareness programs around violence and bullying prevention within Australia’s sporting clubs to combat these alarming figures.
“This study showed that eighty-two per cent of people sampled in the Victorian based study reported experiencing at least one form of interpersonal violence when participating in community sport as a child, with 73 per cent of respondents experiencing violence from their peers, 60 per cent by coaches and 35 per cent by parent.” Said Sammy D Foundation CEO, Brigid Koenig.
“These results are horrifying and highlight the need for further holistic education programs aimed at sporting clubs to help stem the growing number of incidents on and around Australia’s sporting fields, programs such as the Sammy D Foundation’s “Monkey See Monkey Do program.”
“With further funding and support we could extend the reach of our “Monkey See, Monkey Do” program, which works on changing players attitudes toward bullying and violence, and educating parents and club members about the impacts of inappropriate sideline behaviours and being a positive and respectful role-model.”
“Though education we can make a change in players, coaches and parents attitude and equip everyone with the knowledge needed to keep safe whilst still enjoying community sport.”
For information on the Sammy D Foundation and the ‘Monkey See Monkey Do’ program: www.sammydfoundation.org.au
For further comment or interview from the Sammy D Foundation, please contact:
Leigh McGrane – leigh@atgpr.com.au – 0438 699 79