CAA Launches Coaching Boys Into Men
As part of Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, the Centre Against Abuse [CAA] has launched a new initiative — Coaching Boys Into Men [CBIM] — which trains athletic coaches to hold guided discussions with young athletes about respect, healthy relationships, and nonviolence.
A spokesperson said, “October is recognized worldwide as Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, and Centre Against Abuse [CAA] has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at preventing violence before it starts. The programme, Coaching Boys Into Men [CBIM], trains athletic coaches to have open guided discussions with young athletes about respect, nonviolence, and healthy relationships.
“This week, CAA piloted the initiative in partnership with The Family Centre’s Beyond Rugby Programme, by providing training to its Rugby coaches. The CBIM programme equips coaches with structured discussions and resources to help athletes discuss and understand boundaries, accountability, and the importance of speaking out against abusive behaviour.”
“Sports coaches are powerful role models in the lives of young people,” said CAA Executive Director, Laurie Shiell. “By shaping athlete’s character as much as skill, they can help break the cycle of abuse before it begins. Athletes also are role models, and to have them understanding and modelling healthy behaviours, and reinforcing them with their peers, is powerful. The desired outcome is to create a new normal for behaviours with our youth, especially the ones that may be lured into anti-social behaviour.”
A spokesperson added, “Coaching Boys Into Men is a proven, evidence-based programme that has been implemented successfully in several countries around the world, and CAA believes it can make a meaningful difference in Bermuda. The curriculum provides coaches with the tools to hold twelve, 15-minute discussions with their athletes on topics that include: Respect and Personal Responsibility, Digital Disrespect, and Understanding Consent.
“These guided conversations are designed to challenge the mindset of athletes to become positive role models off the field, to step up as engaged bystanders, and to encourage their peers to model respectful, appropriate behaviours. Through these interactions, CAA is expecting that it will create a ripple effect that extends beyond the sporting arena and into homes, schools, and the wider community.”
CAA emphasised that Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is not only a time to recognise the seriousness of the issue, but also a call to action. “Prevention starts with education, and education starts with conversations from multiple sources,” explained Mrs. Shiell. “It is our desire that athletes are consistently exposed to Coaching Boys Into Men—both in schools and through extra-curricular activities—so the same healthy behaviour message is reinforced across a number of avenues. By surrounding our young people with positive, consistent messages, we increase the likelihood of breaking the cycle of abuse and creating lasting change in our community.”
A spokesperson added, “Through partnerships with Beyond Rugby and other sporting bodies and schools, CAA aims to build a culture of respect and accountability among Bermuda’s youth, ensuring the next generation has the tools to challenge harmful norms, and foster safe, healthy relationships with self and others.
“Coaches who are interested in participating in Coaching Boys Into Men can contact CAA directly at 292-4366 or by email at info@centreagainstabuse.bm to share their interest and obtain training.
“CAA is calling on the community to stand with them, whether through spreading awareness, supporting their programmes, or donating to sustain their services. Together, Bermuda can work to prevent abuse and build a safer, stronger community for all. www.centreagainstabuse.bm.”
Read More About
Category: All
