Responding to Internal Allegations – The Domestic Abuse in Sport and Activity Toolkit

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.’

Perpetrator services and self disclosure