Understanding Sexual Violence Prevention within Sports Culture

Thousands of folks across Connecticut from all walks of life make up the vibrant sports community- from parents of athletes to coaches to athletic directors to mascots. Each person plays a role in creating a space for young athletes to challenge themselves and strive for success.

Many studies show that coaching staff often are the adults spending the most time with young athletes, which means that their athletes are very often looking to their coaches as models of behavior and for advice on some of life's toughest challenges. As they engage with their athletes about on the field and off the field issues, coaches have the unique opportunity to model pro-social behavior including being an active and aware member in your community taking a stand against violence.

This virtual huddle explores the dynamics of sexual violence and the many attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to a culture that perpetuates and sustains sexual violence. Resources for supporting victims will be provided as well as tools and talking points you can use to better understand this issue and communicate about it effectively with your team, athlete, athletic department, or community.

Because we know it takes an entire community to take a stand against violence, this training is open to all in the sports community, and folks are provided with helpful steps in getting the coaches in their lives involved in this work this coming year!

Participants will receive a free downloadable copy of The Playbook- a resource guide designed specifically to support coaches in understanding and modeling ways of taking a stand against violence.

Who We Are:
The Sexual Violence Prevention Collaborative (SVPC), brought together and made possibly by Fairfield County's Community Foundation Fund for Women and Girls, consists of members from five nonprofits across Fairfield County. Together, we created training modules for coaches and those who interact with athletes on a regular basis, specifically on how to eliminate sexual violence within sports. We’re incredibly grateful to be able to do this work, especially at times like this, when anti-violence protests are at the forefront of our communities.

Participating organizations include The Center for Family Justice, The Rowan Center, Triangle Community Center, Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, and YWCA Greenwich.