Domestic Abuse Toolkit for the Sport & Activity Sector

Sport and physical activity can be a lifeline for people experiencing domestic abuse. It can provide a safe space, a trusted community, and time away from coercive control.

Domestic abuse affect anyone. But anyone involved in sport and activity, whether they are participants, coaches, staff, volunteers, or supporters, is in a unique position to spot the signs, and provide support where it is needed.

Sport and activity can provide a safe space. But despite this:

• Abusers may restrict access to sessions, or isolate victims
• Victims may be reluctant to disclose due to stigma or fear
• Coaches, staff, volunteers and teammates may be unsure of the support they can offer, or of what they can do if they spot the signs

The Purpose of this Toolkit

This toolkit should help people in the sport and physical activity sector to: 

• Have confidence in talking about domestic abuse, both broadly and in response to specific cases
• Acknowledge that domestic abuse can and may be happening within their sport, helping to avoid the ‘it doesn’t happen here’ mindset
• Recognise the signs of domestic abuse
• Respond safely to disclosures or concerns
• Understand referral pathways
• Embed good practice into safeguarding frameworks
• Consider how to manage a situation if they suspect that a club member or participant may be an abuser

Who Is This Toolkit For?

• Sport & activity clubs
• National Governing Bodies (NGBs)
• Active Partnerships (APs)
• Leisure/Gym providers
• Coaches
• Volunteers
• Safeguarding Leads and Welfare/Safeguarding Officers
• Anyone taking part in sport or physical activity

Understanding Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading, or violent behaviour between individuals aged 16 or over who are personally connected.

It can include:

• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Coercive and controlling behaviour
• Financial or economic control/abuse
• Online or digital abuse
• Stalking and harassment
• Sexual abuse
• Physical violence

It can also include ‘Honour’ based abuse (HBA). According to Karma Nirvana, HBA is “a form of domestic abuse which is motivated by the abuser’s perception that a person has brought or may bring ‘dishonour’ or ‘shame’ to themselves, their family, or the community”.

Domestic Abuse Legislation

In recent years, there have been significant steps taken to increase awareness, understanding, and support for victims of domestic abuse.  

The relevant legislation in England and Wales is the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. In Scotland, it is the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. 

There are also other relevant laws such as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS – sometimes known as ‘Clare’s Law’). 

It is good for individuals involved in sport and activity groups to have awareness of this legislation. But if an individual at your club or organisation wants to discuss the legislation, it is best to signpost them to a specialist, such as a local support service.

For more information, see later sections on Supporting Someone After a Disclosure and Referral Pathways. 

Why Domestic Abuse Matters in Sport

Of course, domestic abuse matters in any setting, and anyone impacted by domestic abuse should always get the support they need.

But there are reasons for which it is important to understand the specific context of domestic abuse in sport:

• Sport and physical activity settings are trusted spaces where staff and participants often build close relationships.
• Team dynamics and morale can be a key part of a sporting environment and therefore changes in this dynamic can quickly highlight signs of abuse.
• This puts coaches, staff, and teammates in a crucial position to offer support within appropriate boundaries.

But at the same time, sport and activity settings can also make it harder to spot the signs of domestic abuse. And in some cases, sport and activity settings can even help to enable domestic abuse:

• Sport and physical activity can put coaches, staff, and teammates in a unique position to exploit a power dynamic.
• Competitive performance matters to people, which can make people more vulnerable to abuse, or even act as a catalyst to existing abusive relationships.
• Those striving to succeed in sport may unwittingly enter into unhealthy relationships within the sport.
• People invested in their sport may be reluctant to raise concerns. They may worry about alienating others within the sport, and so may overlook some indicators of abuse.
• Individuals can become very absorbed in a sporting world. Depending on whether the abuser is within, or external to, the sport or activity, this can either be a significant protective factor, or it can be hugely isolating.

Supporting someone in a sporting context could be their first step towards safety. And working towards a positive sporting culture can help prevent toxic environments from developing, which could help enable abuse.

Recognising The Signs of Domestic Abuse in a Sport Setting

It’s important to remember that these indicators are causes for concern. They are not, in themselves, confirmation that abuse is taking place.

It can be challenging to remain alert to possible signs/indicators without unintentionally passing judgement on an individual’s circumstances. But at the same time, effective safeguarding depends on some level of critical thinking. So, if you spot something that does not seem right, it is important to act on your concerns.

Behavioural Signs

• Sudden withdrawal from team/events/tournaments or social activities
• Unexplained anxiety, fearfulness, or changes in confidence
• Overly controlling partner or family member present at training or events
• Reluctance to speak or train without checking in with someone else

Emotional and Psychological Signs

• Signs of distress when receiving text or social media messages
• Constant self-blame, self-criticism, or a tendency to minimise their experiences
• Appearing overly apologetic or fearful of mistakes
• Isolation from teammates or staff

Economic Signs

• Late payment of club fees or other expenses
• Difficulty paying associated costs (i.e. sports kit/equipment)
• A change in financial position (i.e. the above becoming commonplace)
• Financial behaviours, such as the above, not correlating with known life circumstances

Physical Signs

• Unexplained bruises, injuries or clothing chosen to cover marks
• Fatigue, loss of concentration, or frequent illness that affects performance or attendance

If Something Doesn’t Seem Right

• Ask safely
• Listen without judgment
• Act according to your safeguarding procedures
• Refer to your club or group’s referral pathway

Responding to a Disclosure of Domestic Abuse in a Sport Setting

If someone reports a concern to you, your response can make a critical difference.

DO:

• Listen calmly and without judgment.
• Believe the person, and thank them for sharing their concerns.
• Reassure them it’s not their fault.
• Remember that the individual may not view the behaviour as abusive.
• Consider the family situation. Are there others at risk? Your duty to report changes if a child is at risk, or if the situation involves an adult who is legally defined as an ‘adult at risk’.
• Remember that separation isn’t necessarily the end of the abuse. Statistics suggest that risk can heighten when a victim tries to end an abusive relationship.
• Remember that forensic timescales are relevant, particularly when it comes to sexual or physical abuse. Rather than exploring this with a victim yourself, it would be good to encourage contact with the Police, Rape Crisis, or a local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or domestic abuse service as soon as possible.
• Remember your professional boundaries. Signposting quickly is crucial, but it is unhealthy for an individual to become reliant on you.
• Support the individual to contact services themselves, providing it is appropriate to do so, and that they have the capacity. Read more about capacity to make decisions here.
• Explain your duty to share information if someone’s safety is at risk.
• Follow safeguarding or referral procedures.

DO NOT:

• Attempt to investigate the situation yourself.
• Confront the abuser.
• Make promises you cannot keep, particularly involving confidentiality.
• React with shock or disbelief.
• Minimise or dismiss what they tell you.
• Pressure them to take specific actions.

Helpful phrases:

• ‘I’m really sorry this is happening to you.’
• ‘You’re not alone. Help is available.’
• ‘You can talk to me, and I can help you find support.’

How To Support Someone Following a Domestic Abuse Disclosure 

If someone shares a concern with you, here’s how you can support them following the disclosure:

• Ask what immediate support they need, and consider whether the situation is an emergency.
• Record what was said as accurately as possible, using their words.
• Provide national or local support information.
• If you are unsure or concerned about the next steps, or just feel you need some advice, reach out to national or local support services.
• Follow up appropriately. Remember that your role is to connect, not to counsel.
• Inform your Safeguarding Lead or Club Safeguarding Officer if this is relevant to your position or organisation.
• If you do not have formal recording procedures in place, consider who you could discuss this with, and where you can safely store your records in the meantime. Consider GDPR and other data privacy laws. So, think password protection, lockable cabinets, and so on.

Domestic Abuse in Sport and Activity – Referral Pathways and Support Directory (UK)

Emergency:

999 – Police (if someone is at immediate risk)

National Helplines:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 0808 2000 247 | nationaldahelpline.org.uk
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 | mensadviceline.org.uk
• Galop (LGBT+): 0800 999 5428 | galop.org.uk
• Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222 | rapecrisis.org.uk
• National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 | suzylamplugh.org
• Karma Nirvana (Forced marriage and ‘Honour’-based abuse): 0800 5999 247 | karmanirvana.org.uk
• Samaritans (24/7 mental health support): 116 123 | samaritans.org
• NHS Urgent Help for Mental Health: 111 (select the mental health option)
• Shout (24/7 mental health support): Text 85258 | giveusashout.org

Local Support:

• Bright Sky is an NHS recommended app that provides support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or is concerned about someone they know. Whilst it is nationally available, it also provides information about nearby support.
• A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers confidential medical and practical support to people who have recently been raped or sexually assaulted. Trained professionals can collect forensic evidence without the individual needing to report to the police (i.e. giving them time to consider their wishes).
  https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/
• Local Safeguarding Adults Board/Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
• Local mental health services are accessible through GPs, but it may be useful to signpost to the NHS website – How to find local mental health services – NHS

Sport-Specific Support:

You could also signpost individuals to:

• Club Welfare/Safeguarding Officer
• NGB Lead Safeguarding Officer
• Active Partnership Lead Safeguarding Officer
• Sport Welfare Officer
• Medical staff who may have useful knowledge of multi-agency working and local support

Remember: It is possible to seek advice about a situation while keeping the details of those involved anonymous, until you are sure about consent to share and/or whether you need to break confidentiality.

Signposting Support – Things To Include in Your Safeguarding Policy

• Directions about the most important safety considerations
• Suggestions for signposting to support
• Advice about how to record information
• Clear internal reporting steps
• Direction of how to manage a situation where a child or legally defined ‘adult at risk’ could be at risk of harm

Domestic Abuse in Sport – Responding to Internal Allegations  

It can be challenging to manage a situation where a member of your sports organisation has been accused of domestic abuse, whether or not the person being abused is within the same organisation.

The situation is likely to be complex, and you need to consider all disclosures on a case–by–case basis.

Here are some suggestions: 

DO:

• Consider safety and refer to the appropriate organisations for support with safety planning, such as local support services and an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser.
• Try and ascertain whether or not the matter has been reported to the police, and whether there is an investigation. While it isn’t your role to get involved, this is useful information to have.
• Consider whether the accused is in a Position of Trust and whether this changes your position or response. While this legislation concerns the safeguarding of children, we would encourage you to consider that all coach/athlete relationships involve a complex power dynamic.
• Refer to your Code of Conduct and consider whether any actions that have been witnessed, or proven, breach this code.

DO NOT:

• Promise that the accused individual will be automatically removed from the club or organisation.
• State that there is nothing you can do if there is no proven guilt. Even if it feels like this, this will be very disheartening to hear, so you should choose your wording carefully.

Helpful phrases: 

To the victim:

• ‘I can see that this individual’s presence is really causing you distress.’ (or, mirror the language they are using around their emotions) 
• ‘We are keen to ensure you get professional support to consider your safety.’ 

To the person reporting the concern (if this is not the victim):

• ‘We appreciate this must be really concerning for you, and whilst we can’t advise you exactly what action we will take, we will consider this report seriously.’
• ‘You may want to reach-out to professional services yourself for advice.’ 

To the accused (if the accused has to be informed, but this will depend on the case):

• ‘We recognise this must be really challenging to hear.’
• ‘We aren’t here to investigate, but we do take the safety of all individuals very seriously and we can’t ignore this report.’

Domestic Abuse in Sport – Perpetrator Services and Self-Disclosure 

While it is not a common scenario, an abuser could self-disclose, or confess to certain abusive behaviours.

Additionally, a couple may choose to stay together in an abusive relationship.

This example scenario highlights the complexities of adult safeguarding, and one in which a sports club/community could be instrumental in supporting these individuals. 

If you have handled all necessary safeguarding concerns, including signposting to victim or mental health support services, and if there is no immediate risk to anyone’s safety, then signposting to perpetrator services could be another crucial step in offering support.

Remember: Support services for individuals using abusive behaviours do exist, and you should signpost to them when necessary.

Such support services vary significantly from area to area, so a good place to start is with Respect, who run a support helpline for perpetrators: 0808 802 4040.

Domestic Abuse in Sport – Embedding Good Practice

Safeguarding Policy and Training

• As a minimum, include domestic abuse in your organisation’s safeguarding policy, with links to local domestic abuse services and local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
• Add domestic abuse awareness and training to your organisation’s induction process, and include regular domestic abuse awareness sessions for all staff, members, participants, coaches, volunteers and board members.
• Where possible, use scenarios and case studies in your training, to help people understand the key considerations and complexities that might arise during a disclosure or investigation.
• Provide trauma-informed training.

Culture & Communication

• Promote wellbeing and respect.
• Display helpline posters in private spaces.
• Share support information regularly at all levels of the organisation. 
• Develop and communicate clear codes of conduct for everyone involved in your club, including family members and partners.
• Aim to have safeguarding contacts of different genders accessible to your club members/participants, if possible.

Partnerships

• Link with local domestic abuse charities and safeguarding boards, so you can effectively signpost when necessary.
• Invite charities and other groups to host awareness-raising sessions at your club.
• Collaborate with community safety partners.

Development for smaller organisations 

While all the above is important, smaller sports organisations may need to take more immediate and appropriately proportionate actions depending on their current position. Here are some areas that smaller sports organisations may want to check first: 

• Would your staff/volunteers/members be able to find domestic abuse support services through your organisation’s resources, whether online or in person? 
• Do the venues used by your organisation display information for domestic abuse support services? The back of toilet doors are a useful, private space to display this information. You can order resources here.
• Could staff and volunteers be trained in domestic abuse? Places such as the National Centre for Domestic Violence offer free training and resources.
• Connect with your local domestic abuse services. They may also offer free training.

Final Thoughts – Key Messages For Sport and Activity Organisations

In sport and activity settings, we can all play a vital role in spotting signs, providing safe spaces, and signposting people towards the support they need.

Creating safe, supportive spaces in sport can change lives. Every conversation, awareness session, and act of empathy helps make sport and activity safer and more inclusive for all.

You do not have to deal with this alone!  

Do not underestimate the power of signposting in domestic abuse situations. SafeLives suggests it can take victims of medium to high-risk domestic abuse situations between up to three years years before they get the help they need. Effective signposting could help them get support much sooner.

If you are unsure how to handle a situation,  seek advice. Speak to a professional you trust with safeguarding knowledge or responsibilities, whether this is a Club Welfare Officer or Lead Safeguarding Officer. Or you can seek advice from an external local or national domestic abuse organisation.