Recent conversations across Australian sport have again highlighted the importance of organisational culture, respectful behaviour, accountability and the standards sporting organisations establish for their people.
Rather than waiting for incidents or concerns to emerge, Challenge DV believes sporting organisations have an opportunity to take proactive action.
Sporting clubs can play an important role in creating safer, more respectful and inclusive communities, and Challenge DV is working alongside clubs to help turn that opportunity into meaningful action.
Our Club Says No 2 DV
Through the 'Our Club Says No 2 DV' program, Challenge DV is partnering with professional and community sporting organisations to strengthen their understanding of domestic and family violence, build confidence to respond appropriately, and embed respectful behaviours throughout their club culture.
The program recognises that sporting clubs are much more than places where people gather, train and compete. They are community hubs that bring together players, coaches, volunteers, families, supporters and young people – creating a powerful environment to influence attitudes, behaviours and social norms.
Challenge DV General Manager, Linda Smith, emphasises that the program focuses on working alongside clubs, rather than simply delivering a one-off training session.
“Sport has an incredible ability to bring communities together, and with that comes an opportunity to create positive change.”
“Our Club Says No 2 DV is about helping sporting organisations understand what prevention and respectful culture look like in practice, and giving their people the knowledge and confidence to be part of that change.” – Linda Smith
A whole-of-club approach
Challenge DV works directly with sporting organisations to understand their individual needs and identify where practical support can have the greatest impact.
Depending on the club, this can include:
Consultation with leadership and wellbeing teams
Reviewing relevant policies, procedures and support pathways
Training for coaches, volunteers, staff and leadership teams
Broader education for players, members and participants
Resources to support ongoing conversations about respectful relationships
Building understanding of how to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence
Supporting clubs to create an environment where people feel confident speaking up and seeking help
An important component of the program is bringing the club community together to make a visible commitment about the culture they want to create.
Through Our Club Says No 2 DV, clubs pledge to stand for safer and more inclusive communities and send a clear message that domestic and family violence has no place in their club, their homes or their community.
Building momentum across Queensland sport
Challenge DV has recently worked with the Central Queensland Capras and is continuing to progress work with organisations including the Tweed Heads Seagulls and Wynnum Manly Seagulls, as well as other grassroots community sporting organisations.
The Our Club Says No 2 DV program can be adapted to suit organisations ranging from professional sporting clubs to grassroots community teams.
Partner with Challenge DV
Challenge DV works with sporting organisations, workplaces, schools and communities to prevent domestic and family violence through education, awareness, partnerships and practical action.
Through programs including Our Club Says No 2 DV, Challenge DV supports organisations to strengthen respectful cultures, build confidence to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence, and contribute to safer communities.
Contact Challenge DV to find out how we can support your organisation.
