Physical Violence in Youth Work

Physical contact can be an integral part of an activity. As an instructor or organizer, it is important to be able to differentiate between instances of physical violence or boundary-breaking touch and even rough physical contact. Physical contact and touching should be based on necessity and the needs of the participants, or be integral to proper instructing. Safe physical contact is based on respect and consent whereas violence includes elements of fear, injury, ridicule, intimidation and abuse of power.

The following guide, currently only available in finnish details how to address instances of physical violence in environments where contact is normal and frequent, such as sports. Despite the focus on a sporting environment, the same foundation can be useful in other activities and environments.