About us
Safer Sport is a national, research-led initiative helping create sporting environments where everyone feels safe, respected and included.
Led by La Trobe University and in partnership with colleagues from Victoria University and Griffith University, our work brings together researchers, sport organisations, government and communities across Australia. We examine how gender-based violence and inequality can occur in sport and work with the sector to address them.
Our research is grounded in evidence, lived experience and collaboration. Through practical tools, guides, research and co-designed resources, we support sport organisations, clubs, volunteers and communities to prevent harm, respond well and build safer and more inclusive cultures.
Safer Sport is strengthened by collaboration with research institutions, sporting organisations, community groups, policymakers and practitioners across Australia and internationally.
Together, we’re working towards a future where everyone can enjoy sport free from violence and inequality.
Our Team
A/Prof Kirsty Forsdike
Kirsty is a social scientist and global leader in gender-based violence in sport research, working to make sport safer - especially in rural communities.
Hanorah Arundell
Hanorah brings research, community engagement and practical action together to help sporting organisations prevent harm and create safer, more inclusive cultures.
Dr Samantha Marshall
Samantha researches how systems, structures and cultures shape gender-based violence, safety and inclusion for women and gender-diverse people in male-dominated settings.
Prof Leesa Hooker
Leesa is a nurse, midwife and public health researcher whose work focuses on preventing gender-based violence and improving support for women, children and families.
A/Prof Mary Woessner
Mary’s work examines violence in sport, with a particular focus on young people’s experiences and how sporting organisations can respond more safely.
Prof Simone Fullagar
Simone is an interdisciplinary feminist sociologist and sport management researcher exploring gender equity, wellbeing and inclusion, with a focus on creating meaningful cultural change through sport
Prof Alex Parker
Alex is a psychologist and sport researcher focused on mental health, safety and inclusion, helping sporting organisations better support people and strengthen wellbeing.
Partnering Reseachers
Dr Aurélie Pankowiak
Aurélie is a sport researcher and survivor advocate focused on safeguarding, interpersonal violence, with expertise in lived experience collaboration.
Dr Natalie Galea
Natalie’s research examines gender (in)equality and human rights in sport and other male-dominated settings.
Prof Sylvie Parent
Sylvie’s research explores violence in sport, its impact on young athletes and how sport communities can prevent and respond to harm.
Dr Emma Kavanagh
Emma is a sport psychologist and researcher specialising in safeguarding, interpersonal violence, gender-based violence, online abuse and prevention in sport.
Partners
Global Observatory of Gender Equality & Sport (GO)
The GO is a global convenor and trusted repository of research and expertise on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in and through physical education, physical activity and sport (PEPAS).
Büro of Ideas
Büro of Ideas is a strategic design studio that helped bring Safer Sport’s research, resources and visual identity to life through website and communication design.
Not All Clubs
A media and grassroots activist platform highlighting inequality, gender-based violence and harmful cultures in community sport by amplifying the lived experiences of women and gender-diverse people.
