This post is also available in: Dutch

Are you being bullied, harassed or on the receiving end of sexually unwanted advances? Or do you see someone who is going through these things, but who is unable to speak up? Are you a parent of a youth member, and do you see behavior that is unacceptable?

At Sovicos you can talk confidentially with:

Brenda van Laar & Vincent Sikkes

What does a confidential contact advisor do?

The confidential contact advisor listens to someone’s story and helps them find ways to resolve the situation. They can assist someone in filing a complaint with the association, sports federation, or police, but simply talking can also be helpful.

The confidential contact advisor treats information confidentially and does not take any action without the knowledge of the person concerned. Our confidential contact advisors are bound by confidentiality about what they are told, unless there is a threat of danger or a compelling reason to break this confidentiality.

If you want to learn more about the procedure, please refer to the protocol of the confidential contact advisors. If it is urgent, it is handy to notify them on their mobile number that a message has been sent to their mailbox.

Read more below about our confidential contact advisors and what they can do for you.

Counselors within Sovicos

Dear members and parents/primary caregivers of our youth members,

A few years ago Sovicos has decided to appoint two counselors. These counselors are the point of contact for all members/parents, in the case of harrasment or other unwanted behavior by another member. You can think of bullying, defamation, violation of personal integrity, sexual harassment and/or abuse, and discriminatory or racist behavior. These concepts have a loaded character and are – fortunately – usually not directly associated with a game of volleyball.

However, it has probably not escaped your notice that in recent months the media has reported various, very disconcerting cases of abuse in the world of (top) sport. Sometimes these cases have lasted for years, without anyone being able to speak out. As a result, a large number of (youthful) athletes have been damaged for life, and might have never been able to enjoy their sport as intended.

It is important to realize that undesirable behavior can start everywhere, even within our own club, as something small and sometimes unintentional. It is often not yet recognized as undesirable behavior, while early recognition can actually lead to this behavior being stopped quickly.

If this undesired behavior can however continue unhindered, a huge problem will arise for the victim, which he or she often cannot easily talk about with teammates or family. Sometimes the problem “gets solved by itself”, for example when the victim in question quits and leaves the club. It goes without saying that this is not the solution that clubs such as Sovicos stand for. Everyone should be able to feel at home within our club and be able to be themselves!

Within Sovicos, the positions of confidential contact counselor are filled by two people, Brenda van Laar and Vincent Sikkes.

Safe Sport Center Netherlands

Besides reaching out to our contact person or the board, you can also contact the Safe Sport Center Netherlands. The Safe Sport Center is part of NOC*NSF, the umbrella organization of sports associations, and is available free of charge for all members.

The Safe Sport Center Netherlands (CVSN) is there for anyone in sports who has questions, doubts, or wants to report an incident. They listen, brainstorm, and guide you to the best solution. Anyone can contact them: athletes, coaches, administrators, and contact persons. Of course, concerned parents and professionals are welcome too.

The Center is one of the places in sports where signals and reports from the entire sports community can be discussed, apart from Sovicos’ board and NeVoBo. Officially, reports can be made to the club, the sports association, or the Institute for Sports Jurisprudence, ISR.

CVSN has a pool of counselors who can support you personally in incidents, and in dealing with both victims and accused. CVSN is a knowledge center for sports clubs and associations. They execute policies, provide advice and information, and assist in the prevention and management of incidents. The coordinator of the Center, along with all counselors and case managers, is certified and undergoes training and peer consultation to stay up-to-date in their field. Click here for more information.

The Safe Sport Center Netherlands is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm at 0900 20 25 590.