A recent case in Greece provides an important example.
On 28 August, the Hellenic Police publicly released information concerning a sports instructor facing serious criminal charges involving sexual offences against minors.
But the most important part of this story for CoViS is not only the allegations.
It is the response.
The authorities explained that making the information public was intended to support the investigation, identify possible additional information and help prevent further threats to public safety. Anyone with relevant information was invited to contact the police, with confidentiality and anonymity guaranteed.
Why does this matter?
Because abuse often survives in silence.
One athlete may believe they are the only one.
A parent may have noticed something but remained uncertain.
A teammate may know part of the story.
Another victim may have never reported what happened.
Responsible institutional action can help connect those pieces.
Safeguarding is not only about recognising abuse.
It is about what happens after someone speaks.
Reporting channels must exist. Authorities must know how to respond. And athletes must see that speaking up can lead to action.
The case remains before the courts and the presumption of innocence applies.
Source: Hellenic Police, 28 August 2026. https://www.astynomia.gr/2026/08/28/28-08-2026-anakoinosi-g-e-d-ionion-nison-schetika-me-dimosiopoiisi-stoicheion-taftotitas-kai-fotografion-imedapou-andra-o-opoios-synelifthi-tin-3-7-2026-apo-astynomikous-tou-tmimatos-dioxis-kai-e/
CoViS – Combating Violence in Sport is an Erasmus+ Sport project co-funded by the European Union.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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