The University of Queensland is collaborating with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on a project to combat interpersonal violence in sport in the Pacific Islands.
UQ will conduct an extensive feasibility study for the IOC’s Safe Sport Hub Initiative to support the subsequent set up of a regional safeguarding hub in the Pacific Islands.
The hub will facilitate access to local contextualised support for those experiencing interpersonal or gender-based violence in sport, strengthen localised protection, and improve cooperation and coordination between local sport- and non-sport-based safeguarding systems and services.
Aligning with existing regional initiatives and key IOC initiatives, the hub will play a critical role in protecting and supporting athletes at a local level.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said she was confident the project would make a difference – not just in the lead up to 2032, but for decades to come.
“As an institution, we’ve considered this to be a Games for Oceania from our initial support for the Brisbane bid,” Professor Terry said.
“This work is wholly consistent with our ongoing commitment to support capacity building, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the region.”
The study is in collaboration with Burnet Institute, Victoria University Wellington Te Herenga Waka, and Workforce Blueprint.
