At Sovicos, we place great importance on the responsibility to create an environment where everyone feels safe, secure, and welcome.
Unfortunately, the reality is that one in eight athletes experiences sexual harassment or abuse. This cannot and should not be tolerated. Therefore, it is crucial that we do our utmost to keep the sports environment safe.
Sexual Harassment: An Important Topic of Discussion
Sexual harassment, or unwanted advances, is a serious issue that can occur anywhere, even within a volleyball club. From ambiguous remarks to assault, these are matters we must not ignore. We have established behavioral guidelines to clearly outline what is and is not acceptable. These rules apply to interactions between adult athletes, as well as between adults and children, such as coaches making unnecessary physical contact or trainers sending sexually suggestive messages.
Breaking the Taboo
Although the taboo around sexual harassment is gradually being broken, it is still not universally discussable. Within a club, the familiar atmosphere can sometimes lead to such behavior being recognized too late. The belief that “this doesn’t happen here” is a misconception we need to address.
The Confidential Contact Person (CCP): A Listening Ear
In our commitment to a safe sports environment, we have appointed two Confidential Contact Persons (CCP). The CCPs are the first point of contact for anyone within the club or federation who has questions about or has experienced inappropriate behavior. Whether you want to report something or simply need someone to talk to, the CCPs are ready to help. The CCPs are there to listen, guide, and raise awareness about inappropriate behavior, thereby increasing the openness and willingness to report issues.
Our CCPs are available to everyone involved in the club and do not take sides in incidents. The CCPs are not caregivers and do not conduct investigations within the club. A Confidential Contact Person listens, thinks along, and knows the sports network. This role is a valuable addition to the tasks of the board. Want to know more about this role? Click here.
Our Dedicated Confidential Contact Persons
Our CCPs provide members the opportunity to discuss inappropriate behavior in confidence. Whether it concerns bullying, sexual harassment, aggression, or discrimination, they are here to help. Both CCPs have undergone training to handle situations as effectively as possible when needed.
Reporting to the CCP
When someone approaches the CCP, it is important that they can share their story easily. The CCP listens without judgment and asks clarifying questions to understand the issue. No questions are asked that could assess the nature or seriousness of the story. The CCP handles the information carefully and discreetly and in emergency situations, they refer directly to the police and/or the Sexual Violence Center for immediate support for the victim.
Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG): Extra Protection
Requiring a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for volunteers contributes to the social safety of all our members. At Sovicos, we request a VOG for all volunteers. This is an extra step to ensure that those who commit their time to the club are reliable.
Want to report something but prefer not to do it within Sovicos? Click here for the options.
Sovicos against…
Where can you go after a bad experience?
As a reporter, you have control over where you discuss a bad experience. Below is an overview of your options:
Within the Sport:
Sovicos:
Request a confidential conversation with one of the Confidential Contact Persons or a board member. This can also be anonymous.
Confidential Contact Persons can be reached via email: vcp1@sovicos.nl & vcp2@sovicos.nl
The board can be reached via: bestuur@sovicos.nl or by function: voorzitter@sovicos.nl, penningmeester@sovicos.nl, secretaris@sovicos.nl, tcvoorzitter@sovicos.nl, jeugdzaken@sovicos.nl, verenigingszaken@sovicos.nl.
Sports Federation:
Have a confidential conversation with a Confidential (Contact) Person, a compliance officer, or an integrity officer of the federation.
- Check the website of Nevobo for the contact person for confidential work.
- Reports can be made directly to the contact person on behalf of the administrator.
- For formal disciplinary reports, you can go to the Institute for Sports Justice (ISR). Contact the prosecutor for disciplinary investigations on behalf of the sports federation.
Overarching Sport:
The Center for Safe Sport Netherlands is there for you (see more below). Case managers and Confidential Contact Persons are ready for conversations, advice, and reports.
The Center is available to all involved, even if your club or sports federation does not feel like a point of contact. Contact is always confidential, free, and anonymous if desired.
Outside the Sport:
Police and Public Prosecutor: Report outside the sport to the police and the Public Prosecutor.
Care Providers: Confidentially approach various care providers such as the Sexual Violence Center, the general practitioner, the GGD, Victim Support Netherlands, Safe Home, and Fier.
Center for Safe Sport Netherlands
Besides being able to approach our Confidential Contact Person or the board, you can also contact the Center for Safe Sport Netherlands. The Center for Safe Sport is part of NOC*NSF as the umbrella organization of the sports federations and is available to all members at no cost.
The Center for Safe Sport Netherlands (CVSN) is there for anyone in the sport who has questions or doubts or wants to report something. They listen, think along, and guide you to the best solution. Anyone can contact them; athletes, trainers, administrators, and Confidential Contact Persons. And of course, concerned parents and professionals.
The Center is – alongside the Sovicos board and NeVoBo – one of the points in the sport where signals and reports from the entire sport can be discussed. Formal reports can be made to the club, the sports federation, or the Institute for Sports Justice, ISR.
The CVSN has a pool of Confidential Contact Persons who can guide you as an individual in incidents and in dealing with both victims and accused. CVSN is a knowledge center for sports clubs and federations, they ensure the implementation of policy, provide advice and education, and assist with the prevention of and guidance in incidents. The coordinator of the Center and all Confidential Contact Persons and case managers are certified and undergo training and intervision to stay up-to-date in their field. Click here for more information.
The Center for Safe Sport Netherlands is available Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30 at 0900 20 25 590.