Providing a safe and secure environment
Swiss HEMA’s Openness & Safeguarding Commitments require that we act responsibly towards our community through developing and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for HEMA participation. A sporting culture that does not tolerate or allow for abusive behaviour of any kind needs to be cultivated, which, as one HEMA practitioner wrote to us, ‘…is where all of us need to show leadership and courage.’ But, that culture also must be backed by appropriate measures and ways to address any issues arising from abusive or unethical behaviour.[1]
Prevention
Our focus is primarily on prevention, through awareness raising that highlights individual responsibility towards others and the community in general, and by developing policies and training that help to provide a safe space for all (particularly for children and vulnerable people). We are conscious that once an issue of abuse, sexual harassment, prejudice or discrimination has arisen much of the damage has already been done.
- Prevention Procedures: We are not looking to develop a set of polices/principles that all Swiss HEMA clubs must adhere to. However, Swiss HEMA, as a federation, tries to lead by example, through offering examples, guidelines and good practices that clubs can follow or utilise voluntarily. Having clear principles of behaviour, ethics and conduct for clubs and their members is important. Especially so that everyone knows what accepted standards are. Examples of these will be developed in co-operation with a number of Pilot Clubs (potentially including: codes of conduct, procedures for Club Welfare Officers, requirements for declarations/checks, safe working with children/youth, and changing rooms requirements).
- Training: Another priority for us over the next year or so is to identify the content of training for those who want to address inclusion and safeguarding issues (for club leaders, instructors/mentors, etc). Eventually, we may look to develop our own curricula by working with the Training Commission and/or external providers. At the moment we are looking at the various aspects that have been developed under J+S/ESA (Preventive Action, Cultural Diversity in Sport, Commitments to Prevent Violence in Sport, Proximity and Distance). We are approaching some of the providers/authors of these, so we can see how we might develop such training curricula and associated materials.
- Expert Organisations/Resources: There are several national organisations offering support on these issues; with much targeted towards children and youth:
- Swiss Olympic has a lot of material and brochures for clubs to download and runs initiatives to combat abuse and to support openness:
- ‘Are you Okay?’ initiative.
- On prevention and against sexual abuse.
- Issues on drug abuse and encouraging of life skills through the programme cool and clean.
- Different organisations/foundations support and work with clubs for prevention of abuse: Limita (Swiss-German) and Espas (Swiss-French). As well as Patouch, which supports schools and clubs, (video here (scroll down)) and some concrete ideas here.
- J+S has on its website fact sheets for many prevention and integration issues: https://www.jugendundsport.ch/fr/themen/praevention.html
- Swiss Olympic has a lot of material and brochures for clubs to download and runs initiatives to combat abuse and to support openness:
Protection
We are also conscious that there can be instances where abuse, sexual harassment, prejudice or discrimination occurs. So, where a member of a Swiss HEMA club feels that they have been discriminated against, experienced prejudice, or where their well-being or rights have been undermined, or where club leaders/instructors need assistance, certain approaches or measures that provide protection for victims of abuse also need to be in place. Efforts may involve mediation support, complaints procedures or, in some cases, the involvement of external authorities. Swiss HEMA participants should know who they can turn to in the case of abusive behaviour.
However, such safeguards are often complex, require specialised expertise, or are difficult to apply; especially given the voluntary nature of our membership. The O&S Commission is working with pilot member clubs, experts in safeguarding, and national authorities to develop a variety of resources and support for Swiss HEMA member clubs and practitioners. This is a specialised work and we are identifying expert organisations and partners to support us (e.g. our friends at FFAHME are working on a mediation system). However, the following organisations can already be considered for advice:
- Swiss Sport Integrity: Reporting and investigation service for Swiss sport. The Ethics Statute of Swiss Sport lists four offences and actions which are classed as violations (see footnote in bold). Any affected individual may submit a report to the Swiss Sport Integrity Portal about a suspected violation of them. Anyone, who registers a report, is first informed of the possible steps and then might be referred to an appropriate consultation service for an in-depth consultation. Where there is a strong suspicion of a violation of one of the four offences of the Ethics Statute of Swiss Sport, Swiss Sport Integrity launches an investigation procedure and compiles an investigation report for the Disciplinary Chamber for Swiss Sport (DC). The Disciplinary Chamber then decides on any disciplinary measures, as appropriate (certain offences may also have criminal law repercussions). Swiss HEMA, while not an officially recognised sport association, has contacted Swiss Olympic and Swiss Sport Integrity and declared its desire to follow the Ethics Statute’s provisions and utilise this service voluntarily (this is an ongoing discussion). Further information on the Independent Reporting Service and access to the Reporting Portal can be found on the Swiss Sport Integrity website: sportintegrity.ch
- Pro Juventute offers a free advisory service for coaches and club officials, as well as youth monitors, in conflict situations. For questions on many topics such as addictive substances, violence, bullying, abuse and depression. Supported by Swiss Olympic and the Federal Office of Sport, the advice service is available 24 hours a day. Advice and emergency line: 058/618 80 80 or by e-mail at monitors@projuventute.ch
If you have questions, suggestions or wish to help, please contact the O&S Commission members on: safeguarding@swisshema.ch
[1] Sanctioned behaviour may include those covered within an individual member club’s rules, Swiss HEMA’s Openness & Safeguarding Statement, and/or those noted in the Swiss Olympic’ Statutes on Ethics in Swiss Sport (mistreatment and abuse (including: discrimination and unequal treatment, violation of psychological integrity, violation of physical integrity, violation of sexual integrity, and neglect of a duty of care); abuse of position in a sports organisation (including: corruption; ignoring conflicts of interest); unsporting behaviour; and incitement towards violations).