New project to upskill sports clubs to better protect children

Victoria University (VU) researchers are leading the push to safeguard children in sport after winning a grant to expand their work into abuse in community sport.

VU researchers Dr Aurélie Pankowiak (also a VicHealth Research Fellow), Dr Mary Woessner, Professor Alex Parker and Associate Professor Fiona McLachlan have spent the last two years exploring how capable and supported community sport volunteers feel when responding to cases of child abuse in their sport.

With new support from the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse they will be expanding this work to include a lived experience panel who will be consulted to review the evidence base and co-develop guidance on resources and workshops to community sport clubs, their volunteers, players and families.
Both the research team and the National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse value social justice and collaborating with those directly impacted by harmful behaviours in sport. 

This work builds on previous VU research into abuse in sport.

“As someone with lived experience of child sexual abuse and exploitation in sport, this research partnership symbolically means a lot to me. I hope it will be as meaningful for those who decide to be involved,” Dr Aurélie Pankowiak said.

The full report and recommendations from the panel are expected to be released by early 2026.

Express interest in participating

Expressions of Interest for up to six lived experience panel members is now open. 

If you are interested, please apply.