Some behavioral indicators of abuse to


be aware of may include a child missing practices; not wanting to be alone with a particular person or avoidance of a person; afraid to go home; sudden loss of interest in sport or wanting to quit the team; increasing withdrawal or depression; performing significantly lower than his or her abilities; demonstrating aggression or rage; and exhibiting signs of eating disorders, self-harm or lack of concern for personal safety. If a scenario leaves you worried, fearful


for a child’s well-being, or you think something seems out of place or just plain wrong — report your suspicion. Facility owners’ and athletic organizations’ policies and procedures should include child abuse hotline numbers and local mandatory reporter information. Childhelp provides a National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) staffed by degreed counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Childhelp Hotline counselors can answer questions on reporting, offer local resources and support to adults and children alike. In Te Player’s Tribune, O’Sullivan sadly reflects, “The second question


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Adults or even teammates, ignoring boundaries and crossing lines, make relationships uncomfortable, inappropriate, dangerous or possibly abusive. A facility will minimize risk factors and create a culture of safety and transparency for athletes and facility participants when it establishes and communicates clear policies.


is a lot more complicated. Why didn’t anybody step in and stop the abuse? All I ever got from the other hockey parents was a concerned, ‘Are you ok?’ And, of course, I’d say, ‘Yeah, I’m fine.’ Tat would be the end of it. Nobody called the cops. Nobody ever confronted him.” Facility owners and staff have a unique


perspective as they work long or “off” hours of operation and may take notice of things, people or routines that seem strange or unusual. Te great majority of parents, coaches and staff want the best for kids, to keep them safe from harm, and do not abuse children. “Safe” adults respect physical, sexual and emotional boundaries and interact cooperatively and appropriately with others, including kids. Red flags should go up when an


adult is narcissistic, ignores policies and follows their own set of rules. Adults or even teammates, ignoring boundaries and crossing lines, make relationships uncomfortable, inappropriate, dangerous or possibly abusive. A facility will minimize risk factors and create a culture of safety and transparency for athletes and facility participants when it establishes and communicates clear policies.


It is NEVER a Child’s Fault


It is very important to listen if a child says something is wrong or discloses abuse. It takes tremendous courage for a child to tell someone, especially an adult, that they are being hurt. Child abuse is tragically underreported because many victims are


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