UofT researchers call for creation of independent complaint processes tackling abuse in sport

As complaints and investigations into cases of sexual misconduct at the hands of postsecondary athletics leaders continue to emerge, researchers at the University of Toronto are calling for independent complaint processes to address abuse in Canadian sports. While there are already several commitments to safe sport in Canada, such as the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS), researchers argue there is more work to be done. Specifically, U of T Professor Gretchen Kerr suggests that much debate revolves around the extent to which the complaint and investigative processes should be independent from sport organizations. “By creating a single, independent, pan-Canadian independent body of investigation, adjudication and compliance, consistency in application of the UCCMS would be assured to all athletes regardless of sport, geographical location in the country or access to external supports and resources,” said Kerr.   UofT  (ON)