Prevention of sexual exploitation of children in sport clubs and social work in Switzerland

Abstract The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified in 1989, provides a clear normative basis for the protection of children from violence, abuse and exploitation. Despite efforts to protect children, many children and young people are victims of sexual violence. In the extracurricular sector, clubs offer great potential for preventing sexual exploitation. However, obstacles such as the taboo nature of the topic and the clubs’ limited resources make it difficult to develop and independently implement specific prevention offers. The aim of the project was to record the activities and competencies of sports clubs, youth associations and other youth organizations in the area of prevention of sexual assault among children and adolescents in the leisure sector and to determine the need for prevention services in the canton of Zurich in Switzerland. In addition, information was obtained on the impact of existing prevention services as well as information on their further development in terms of content and organization. Together, 979 participants from sports clubs, youth associations and youth organizations (e.g. board members, coaches, leaders) as well as the parents of children who are members of these clubs were surveyed. An impact model was developed for systematic modeling, as proposed by “Health Promotion Switzerland”. The prevention of sexualized violence is seen as a very relevant topic by sports clubs, youth associations, open child and youth work and parents. However, the current implementation of prevention measures also shows that there are still barriers to implementation and room for improvement in prevention work. Participants from all areas would particularly like support with advice on how to deal with suspected cases/incidents, the provision of information materials and the creation of a protection concept. Specific ideas for the further development of prevention work were also generated and will be discussed. Key messages • The prevention of sexualized violence is seen as a very relevant topic by sports clubs, youth associations, open child and youth work and parents. • The study reveals that prevention measures are only partially implemented and identifies barriers and facilitators for improvement.