Abuse in Canadian Sport: Exploring the Impacts of Early Intervention and Multi-Jurisdictional Collaboration

Canada is facing a crisis of abuse in sport; that fact remains uncontested. The current abuse- and maltreatment-reporting system has faced criticism for its lack of experienced investigators, lack of trauma-informed and survivor-centred care, and overall mishandling of hundreds of complaints. Victims and survivors of abuse, maltreatment, and sexual offences in the context of sport are often deterred in reporting crimes in both sport policy and in practice. In some cases, the fear of being ostracized or subjected to further mistreatment by those in positions of authority in the sport system has the ability to silence victims and survivors, prevents justice and further enables perpetrators to move undetected throughout Canadian and international sport environments. This workshop will provide insight into the current functions of abuse and maltreatment reporting mechanisms and discuss how early intervention by law enforcement would have a greater impact in protecting children, youth, and other athletes. In addition, practical solutions will be explored by taking a collaborative approach in engaging law enforcement, the federal government, child protection agencies, and regional, provincial, and national sport administrators.