Red Cross urges awareness, communication in preventing abuse
Allegations in the hockey world alert Canadian families to potential dangers
Following recent media reports on more alleged sexual abuse in hockey, Canadian Red Cross urges parents and youth to learn how to protect themselves against potential predators.
Sheldon Kennedy’s 1997 disclosure of the abuse he had suffered at the hands of his junior hockey coach rocked the sporting world. Unfortunately, his wasn’t a unique experience, as evidenced by allegations which have to come to light in recent days. In fact, a national survey of Canadian athletes found 1 in 5 reported that they had sexual relations with someone in a position of authority in sport; 1 in 10 had experienced forced sexual relations with such a person.
Those staggering statistics don’t mean kids shouldn’t play sports, says the Canadian Red Cross, but prevention is crucial to making their sporting experience a good one. “Parents and organizations involved in sport have to be vigilant in ensuring that kids, coaches and officials are educated about abuse and harassment,” says Judi Fairholm, National Director of RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention at the Canadian Red Cross.
There are many reasons why young athletes are particularly vulnerable. The unique culture of sport creates an environment in which close relationships develop among teammates and between youth and adults in power. A young person’s success can be completely dependent on the approval of one adult in power. Also, youth are sometimes affected by “hero worship” for sports figures -- including coaches -- and team travel and private coaching sessions can provide opportunities for abuse to occur.
The first line of protection is parents who are aware of their children’s relationships with other adults and who have an open line of communication with their children. When parents are aware of potential harassment and abuse issues they are better prepared to recognize inappropriate behaviours and know how to respond.
“Sheldon's disclosure was an immensely courageous act in the interest of creating safety for children,” says Fairholm. Youth organizations across the country are now grappling with this issue; Sheldon was the catalyst.”
Related links
The prevalence of abuse in young lives
Red Cross partners with Respect In Sport to deliver online training to coaches.
Do you work with youth? What you need to know
Contact RespectED at Canadian Red Cross
