Respond to your child's concerns

If your child tells you about abuse, discrimination or harassment, respond calmly and stay in control. Ask a few short questions about whether they are worried or distressed, such as: `Tell me what happened?' `Then what happened?'  Avoid questions that have only a yes/no answer. 

Listen very carefully, and take what your child says seriously. Do not add to their distress.

Remember to:

• react calmly and remain in control
• find a private place to talk
• tell them you believe them and will support them
• listen very carefully to what your child says without interrupting
• tell your child that they have done the right thing by telling you
• tell them they are not to blame
• ask open questions such as `Tell me what happened?' `Then what happened?'
• be caring and understanding
• encourage open communication: ensure that they are aware they can talk to you about anything
• get support, consult with someone and get advice.

Report the complaint or incident

Talk to a Member Protection Information Officer, or another person in authority in the club, and tell them exactly what your child told you.  Let them know if you believe other children are at risk.

Support from the club can include:

• taking the lead in responding to the incident: ask the club what action they will take
• maintaining confidentiality about the incident while it is being investigated
• ensuring your child is safe: this may require the person complained about being provided with one-on-one supervision, redeployment to another role in the club or suspension from their role in the club
• ensuring that you and your child do not experience any further harassment or victimisation.

If you think the matter has not been appropriately investigated or addressed by your club, you can take the matter further by talking directly with your sport's State association.

If you are concerned that your child has been abused or harmed, contact your child protection authority or the police. These agencies deal with serious issues such as sexual abuse and physical neglect.

If you believe your child has been discriminated against or is being harassed - for example, because of their race, sex or age - you can contact your anti-discrimination authority. Anti-discrimination laws also cover sexual harassment.