SAFE SPORT

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is committed to ensuring that sport within the Paralympic Movement is safe, respectful, inclusive, and grounded in the principles of fair play, integrity, and human dignity. Violence, harassment, and abuse have no place in Paralympic sport, and the health, safety, and well-being of all participants are paramount.

 

The IPC Policy

 

To give effect to these principles, the IPC has adopted the Policy on Non-Accidental Violence and Abuse in Sport, which forms part of the IPC Handbook and applies across the Paralympic Movement.

Respect in all forms 

 

Abuse can take many shapes. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to speak up. 

Forms of non-accidental harm may include, but are not limited to: 

•  Physical harm 
•  Sexual misconduct 
•  Financial exploitation 
•  Emotional, verbal, or psychological abuse 
•  Discrimination or neglect 

 

Respond to non-accidental harm 

 

If you experience, witness, or suspect non-accidental harm, you are encouraged to seek support and report concerns. Responses may include, but are not limited to: 

• Seeking confidential support from someone you trust, such as a coach, official, colleague, or another senior person 
• Reporting concerns through formal or informal channels, including to relevant sport organisations or appropriate authorities 
• Documenting incidents, where possible, including dates, behaviours, witnesses, and any steps taken 
• Witnesses are encouraged to report concerns to appropriate third parties or authorities 

 

Safeguarding during the Paralympic Games

 

During the Paralympic Games, the IPC implements a Games-Time Reporting Procedure that applies to all Games participants. This procedure outlines how incidents of harassment and abuse can be reported during the Games period. 

 

During the Games, concerns can be shared quickly and confidentially using the Safe Sport link which is available online or a QR code which will be made available on site through official Games materials (for example, flyers and postcards). This provides access to a secure reporting platform and allows athletes and other participants to report concerns at a time and place that feels safe for them.  

 

If you prefer not to use the QR code, a reporting form — IPC Safeguarding Incident Report: Games-Time Harassment and Abuse — is also available. Completed forms may be submitted at the Polyclinic, shared with any member of the IPC Medical Team, or sent via email at medical@paralympic.org 

 

For those who prefer to speak with someone in person or would like additional support, confidential conversations can take place: 

 

• At the Mind Zone, where staff can assist and facilitate next steps 

• With a member of the IPC Medical Team, based at the Polyclinic 

 

If something doesn’t feel right, it is okay to speak up. 

 

The IPC Medical and Legal Team supports the receipt and management of safeguarding concerns during the Games and ensures appropriate follow-up in line with IPC procedures. All conversations and reports are handled with care and treated with full confidentiality, in accordance with applicable policies.  

Contact: medical@paralympic.org  

 

Additional information and resources

 

For information on non-accidental violence and abuse in sport, please consult:

• The IPC policy on Non-Accidental Violence and Abuse in Sport (Attachment1)  
• IPC Safeguarding Incident Report: Games-Time Harassment and Abuse (Attachment 2) 
• Athlete 365 Safe Sport 
• IOC Health Medicine and Science: Athlete Safeguarding 
• IOC Harassment and Abuse in Sport 
• Safe Sport International