Martial arts confidential contact persons in training

On the initiative of the Vechtsportautoriteit (Dutch Martial Arts Authority), sixteen people from the martial arts sector completed an intensive course day to become a confidential contact person (vertrouwenscontactpersoon) for the martial arts world. They will act as the first point of contact for people who encounter inappropriate behaviour within our sports. This may involve mental or physical abuse, or sexual abuse. The person making the report may be a victim, an accused person, or a third party reporting misconduct in which he or she is not personally involved, but has witnessed.

At the Papendal sports centre of NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Dutch Sports Federation), a highly experienced confidential contact person from another sports federation shared her knowledge and experience. She explained how to deal with a report of inappropriate behaviour. In doing so, it was made clear what does and does not fall within the role of a confidential contact person.

The distinction was emphasised between a confidential contact person, who should point someone in the right direction so that they receive the best possible support, and a confidential adviser (vertrouwenspersoon), who provides part of that support.

The confidential contact person remains neutral and is there for anyone who makes a report, such as a victim or a witness, but someone who is accused can also turn to him or her. The confidential adviser has a different role and may take a "partial" position, in the sense that he or she focuses specifically on supporting one of the people involved in a case.

The confidential contact person tries to keep the process on track, in a way that does justice to everyone's interests. The confidential adviser does not focus on the process, but on serving the person who comes forward to him or her.

The VA aims to have a network of confidential contact persons operating in 2020, so that everyone in the martial arts sector knows where to find points of contact for people who experience misconduct. We will keep you informed via this site and our newsletter.

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If you are interested in becoming a confidential contact person for the martial arts sector yourself, send us an email at info@vechtsportautoriteit.nl and we will put you on a list for a next round of training.

So work is under way, but at present support for victims within the martial arts sector is not yet properly organised. If you are already dealing with inappropriate behaviour, there are several options available to you. You can contact the Vechtsportautoriteit. You can also contact the Centrum Veilige Sport (Safe Sport Centre) of NOC*NSF. Slachtofferhulp Nederland (Victim Support Netherlands) is also a good point of contact if you are looking for support or advice. Criminal offences can also be reported to M. Meld Misdaad Anoniem (the anonymous crime reporting line).