Hellas Verona at the Seminar on the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Verona – On Saturday, October 17, a seminar organised by CONI Veneto and the Veneto Region was held to address the prevention of gender-based violence and safeguarding in sport, with the aim of promoting safe, respectful and inclusive sporting environments and combating all forms of violence, abuse and discrimination.

Among the participants in the roundtable discussion was Zaccaria Tommasi, Head of the Technical Area of Hellas Verona Women and member of the Board of Directors of the Women's Serie B Division, who took part in the discussion on the role of sport as an educational and developmental tool, capable of fostering respect for differences and combating all forms of discrimination.

The programme featured contributions from experts in psychology, pedagogy, law and education, as well as the sharing of experiences from the sporting world and anti-violence centres. Other participants included Giovanni Mazzi, President of the Don Mazzi Youth Centres, basketball player Claudia Bergamini, Italian high jumper Asia Tavernini and former alpine skier and sports executive Claudia Giordani.

The discussion focused on recognising different forms of violence, including psychological abuse, the role of men in positions of responsibility, stereotypes surrounding women's participation in sport, and the tools needed to promote a culture based on equality and respect.

The initiative initially targeted sports professionals and third-sector organisations, with the aim of strengthening awareness and developing the skills needed to prevent and combat abuse. The project will continue with self-defence courses aimed particularly at women and girls.