Learning from lived experience of childhood sexual abuse in sport

Episode 8,   Oct 21, 2020, 12:58 PM

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In this episode, CPSU senior consultant Carole sits down with with the incredible former swimmer Karen Leach to talk about her experience of childhood sexual abuse and what we can learn from it to keep children safe in sport and improve our sport safeguarding measures.

Karen works to raise awareness, to encourage safer spaces for all athletes and is a leading voice in the international work against sexual abuse and harassment in sport. She is a ambassador of the Voices Project for Truth and Dignity and a member of the Sport England Advisory Panel.
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Please note:

During this podcast we talk about childhood sexual abuse. This may be difficult to hear and, for some people, it may bring up distressing memories, thoughts or feelings.

Whilst it may not be easy to listen to, this episode includes important information to help all of us keep children safe in sport.

To look after yourself while you listen consider taking breaks, listening during a walk or before an activity you enjoy such as exercise or meeting a friend.

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Featuring
Carole Billington-Wood – CPSU Senior Consultant
Karen Leach  – Voices Ambassador, member of the Sport England Advisory Panel

During this powerful and insightful podcast, Carole and Karen cover topics such as:

  • creating a culture of safety within sport
  • the importance of listening to young athletes
  • the need for robust safeguarding policies 
  • clear codes of conduct and safeguarding measures for sports clubs and organisations
  • speaking out and how to report a safeguarding concern
  • the impact of abuse 
If you have been affected by anything mentioned in this podcast, there is support out there for you: 

Helplines and support

Here at the CPSU, we have a large number of resources around this topic:
Resources

Transcript
You can view the transcript of this podcast here and access links to further information on this topic.