Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an international movement dedicated to ending sexual violence. It is a time to stand together as a community - to reflect on progress, listen, learn, and take meaningful action to prevent sexual violence. This April, Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) is partnering with community organisations and sporting clubs across Tasmania to promote safer, more respectful environments through our Play it Safe campaign.

We have partnered with Volunteering Tasmania to focus on safe and respectful spaces in Community Sport. The theme for 2026 is Play it safe: Building Respect in Community Sport.

Community sport brings people together. It shapes culture, connection and belonging. When respect is visible in our clubs, on our tracks and in our shared spaces, everyone benefits.

‍Why this campaign matters
Sexual violence remains a significant issue across Australia, including within sporting environments. Prevention is not only about policies, it’s about the everyday behaviours we model and normalise.
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Play it Safe focuses on simple, practical actions that help create safer cultures:
- Respect on and off the field
- Safe and inclusive environments
- Awareness of how our actions impact others

Clear community messages that sexual violence is never acceptable

Our shared goal is to help clubs, volunteers, and participants build cultures where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. Throughout April, partners will share prevention messaging across social media and community spaces encouraging small actions that make a big difference. This month also includes two key learning opportunities for the sector: Volunteering Tasmania will run a workshop on best‑practice volunteer management, and SASS’s training on responding safely and appropriately to disclosures of harm. Together, these activities support stronger, safer sporting communities now and into the future.