Research line

Safeguarding Sport & Society 

The research line 'Safeguarding Sport & Society' conducts quantitative and qualitative research on the characteristics of violence against children, minors and vulnerable groups from both victims and perpetrators' perspectives. In addition, we conduct practical research to prevent harassment and abuse in local sports clubs and higher education institutions. We have developed educational materials and intervention programmes and have evaluated their effectiveness in preventing harassment and abuse. 

Specifically, we focus on:

  • research on the nature and extent of harassment and abuse towards children, minors and vulnerable groups;
  • research on the behavior change of bystanders;
  • research on effective additional intervention for coaches, doctors and paramedical personnel to detect and respond appropriately to harassment and abuse in time;
  • and research on the effectiveness and implementation of local, national and international prevention policies.

Safe Sport Inspiration Days

Realized tools 

Current projects

Our team

Researcher

Tine Vertommen

Tine Vertommen (PhD) is research coordinator of Safeguarding Sport & Society  in the People and Well-being research group. As a criminologist she conducts research on the prevalence and prevention of harassment and abuse in sports. 

Researcher

Helena Verhelle

Helena Verhelle is a researcher in the research group People and Well-being, research line Safeguarding Sport & Society. She focusses on the prevalence and prevention of harassment and abuse in sports and higher eduction. 

 

Researcher

Karolien Adriaens

Karolien Adriaens (PhD) is a researcher in the People and Well-being research group, research line Safeguarding Sport & Society.  As a clinical psychologist she is working on  research projects on harassment and abuse in sports and child maltreatment

Researcher

Mieke Decuyper

Mieke Decuyper (PhD) his a lecturer-researcher in the People and Well-being research, research line Safeguarding Sport & Society. She has expertise in personality diagnostics and the development and standardisation of psychodiagnostic instruments.

Researcher

Jon Brain

Jon Brain (PhD) is a researcher of the People and Well-Being research group, research line Safeguarding Sport & Society.  As a Sport Psychologist he is currently participating in the Safe Football Allies project.

Joanna Maranhão

Joanna Maranhão is a Brazilian Olympian, survivor, and advocate with a dedicated focus on creating safer environments in sports.

Projects