A New Toolkit Strengthening Sport’s Response to Violence
Sport is one of the most powerful institutions in Australia. It brings people together, builds identity, and shapes culture. It can also be a place where women and gender diverse people experience harm. A newly released research-based toolkit, “Safe to Speak. Bound to Act. Acting on Disclosures of Gender-Based Violence in Sport” provides practical guidance to sporting organisations on how to respond when someone discloses gender-based violence.
The toolkit was developed through research led by La Trobe University and informed by lived experience, policy experts and integrity practitioners. It outlines:
- Five best practice principles for responding to disclosures
- Trauma-informed scripts and practical guidance
- Clear steps for recording and escalating reports
- Organisational readiness checklists
- Support pathways and referral options
Importantly, the toolkit recognises the current limitations within the integrity system. While Sport Integrity Australia plays a role under the National Integrity Framework, many disclosures — particularly those involving adult victim-survivors — remain the responsibility of National and State Sporting Organisations
This is where strong club culture and clear local processes matter.
How This Complements Domestic Violence Action Plans
At NO MORE, we work directly with sporting clubs, workplaces and communities across the Northern Territory to develop Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Action Plans (DVAPs).
- DVAPs are not symbolic documents. They are practical commitments to:
- Promote non-violent attitudes
- Develop strong, respectful cultures
- Establish clear accountability measures
- Connect members to support services
- Raise awareness through campaigns and actions like linking arms
However, one of the most common challenges clubs express is “What do we actually do if someone tells us something?” The Safe to Speak toolkit helps to answer that question. It provides practical scripts, outlines the LIVES approach (Listen, Inquire, Validate, Enhance safety, Support), and reinforces trauma-informed responses that avoid causing further harm
From Commitment to Action
NO MORE’s approach is to Engage to Empower — supporting community-led change in sport and beyond. A DVAP sets the commitment. This toolkit strengthens the response. Together, they move sporting organisations from intention to action. We encourage all clubs — particularly those with a DVAP — to review this resource, discuss it at committee level, and incorporate its guidance into training and reporting processes.
Because when someone is brave enough to speak, sport must be ready to act.
See how you can create your own DVAP
Link up. Say NO MORE.