Abuse-Free Sport is an independent programme developed by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada that aims to prevent and address mistreatment through education, training, and research.

Taekwondo Canada is the latest Canadian governing body to sign up to the programme and is set to access its services on January 9 following a transition period.

The organisation is expected to complete full adoption of the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport to be able to become part of the Abuse-Free Sport programme and make any required changes.

"Taekwondo Canada recognizes that safe sport is everyone’s responsibility," David Harris, executive director of Taekwondo Canada, said.

"We’re fully committed to doing our part to support a growing national movement that is changing the culture of sport in this country.

"As part of that commitment, we’re pleased to sign on to Abuse-Free Sport and to soon have the OSIC to administer our safe sport complaints."

Taekwondo Canada confirmed players, who have experienced or witness abuse, would continue to have access to independent third-party services until January 8.

"The sport community has been asking for just this kind of consistent national programme," Harris said.

"It’s an important step forward for everyone involved in sport in Canada."

The Canadian Olympic Committee agreed a partnership with Abuse-Free Sport in September.

The move followed multiple reports of abuse in Canadian sport.

Hockey Canada has faced criticism following revelations of a CAD$3.55 million (£2.2 million/$2.7 million/€2.7 million) settlement with a woman who claims she was abused by members of the country’s junior national team in 2018.

Rowing Canada Aviron and Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton are two other governing bodies under scrutiny for safety and culture failings.

All three organisations have signed on with Abuse-Free Sport in recent months.