St Kilda Football Club has formalised a Charter of Cooperation with the In Good Faith Foundation, creating an avenue of support for survivors of historical abuse within the St Kilda Football Club community.
Saints’ CEO Matt Finnis said the development of the Charter was the result of the club educating itself on how to respond to survivors in a safe and trauma informed way.
“We want to be proactive in providing support wherever practicable, but we also understand the natural hesitancy which might exist in survivors engaging with the club,” Finnis said.
“We hope that by partnering with In Good Faith Foundation we can provide a safe place for survivors to tell their story, be heard, and connected with practical support and care.”
The Charter of Cooperation codifies a commitment to advocate, support and engage any survivors within the St Kilda Football Club community and facilitate a “no wrong door” approach for people to seek help and assistance.
CEO Clare Leaney said the In Good Faith Foundation was pleased to share its experience and networks with St Kilda and its’ community.
“We pride ourselves on an ability to constructively engage with organisations to achieve best practice in supporting victims and survivors of institutional abuse,” Leaney said.
“We’re committed to practical welfare and the provision of wrap around care to address survivor needs but also to provide advice and guidance to St Kilda as it seeks to support its community.”
St Kilda’s commitments under the Charter are in addition to its existing safeguarding procedures adopted in accordance with the Club’s child safety policies, and also extends to drawing upon services delivered via the Danny Frawley Centre for Health & Wellbeing if and where appropriate.
For individuals seeking assistance, the In Good Faith Foundation can provide survivors and whistle-blowers with a comprehensive range of practical welfare and support services and advice.
If you, or someone you know is impacted by historical institutional abuse, you can contact the In Good Faith Foundation on 1300 12 IGFF (4433), email igff@igff.org.au or visit igff.org.au.
