Health and Ethics
How can the API of Volley Vlaanderen help you?
What does our Federation API do?
What is an API?
An independent Integrity Point of Contact (API) is a low‑threshold contact person for athletes, parents, coaches, or other involved parties who have a question, concern, suspicion, or complaint regarding possible inappropriate or transgressive behavior. This person helps ensure that policy pays sufficient attention to both the prevention of and the appropriate response to transgressive behavior.
Are you dealing with unwanted behavior from others?
Do you feel mentally or physically abused?
Do you notice during your sports activities that actions are taking place that are unacceptable?
TALK ABOUT IT!
What is an API not?
- an API is not a care provider or counselor
- an API is not an investigating judge or researcher
- an API is not a journalist
- an API is not a board member
What does a Federation API do?
- Point of contact and initial support
Within the federation, the API is the first point of contact for anyone who has a question, comment, complaint, or other message related to mental, psychological, or sexual transgressive behavior, or to physical, mental, and sexual integrity, and who wants to talk about this with someone. This may include an athlete, a parent or partner, or another involved party, as well as a coach, board member, or API of a sports club. - Coordination of the internal procedure and referral
The Federation API ensures that every question or complaint is taken seriously. He or she monitors that the internal procedure is followed and provides support with the steps that need to be taken when internally handling a question, complaint, or report. For this purpose, the API may use the “action protocol.” The API does not have a care‑providing or investigative role. For professional support, care, or formal reporting, the API refers to external organizations within support services, the police, and the justice system. - Prevention activities and support
The Federation API ensures that everyone within the affiliated sports clubs is aware of the existence of the Federation API and the associated role. In addition, the Federation API presents and positions themselves within the federation towards all clubs and relevant stakeholders. Clubs can rely on support when drawing up codes of conduct and agreements. In order to provide the best possible support, the API keeps up to date with important developments related to physical, mental, and sexual integrity in sport and follows an annual update on related social and political developments.
How is a case or report handled?
The Federation API always follows a fixed action protocol (in dutch).
Who can you contact within Volley Vlaanderen?
Volley Vlaanderen has a Federation API who you can contact with your concerns, questions, or comments.
Federation API: Integrity Point of Contact
Anna Maria Wilmot
As Federation API (Integrity Point of Contact), I am committed to Volley Vlaanderen, both with regard to addressing transgressive behavior and preventing it.
As the first point of contact for integrity reports, I aim to provide an environment in which the reporter (victim or witness) is met with a listening ear from the very first contact. From an independent and confidential position, I offer emotional support where needed, and together we determine which steps should best be taken. I am not an investigator, but a point of contact where you can share your story.
Discretion is central to my work. In addition, I am not a member of the federation myself. This allows for an extra level of assurance that actions are taken in a neutral manner.
As Federation API, I understand that integrity issues cannot be confined to specific hours of the day. That is why I am very flexible and can always be reached by mobile phone at +32 485 39 50 16. Do you feel more comfortable making a written report? You can also always reach me by email (annamariawilmot@hotmail.com).
Together, we commit ourselves to a safe sporting environment. For ourselves, and for each other.