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Advocacy

Advocating for Safe Systems

Support Survivor-Led Policy Change

The Assist amplifies survivor-led legislation that protects athletes, prevents abuse in sport, and is working towards a world where sports are safe at all levels. 

Be part of the solutions for safer sport. Stay informed, get involved, and support meaningful policy and systems change.

Two people smiling and holding a sign celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act.

National Level Victories

Through survivor-led testimony and national coalitions, The Assist has worked on and amplified landmark legislation that removes legal barriers for survivors, strengthens safety in sport, and promotes survivor-informed accountability.

  • Public Law 117-176: Eliminates the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims, allowing minor victims of human trafficking or federal sex offenses to file civil actions to recover damages at any time. 
  • Public Law 117-224 (Speak Out Act): Voids nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements entered into before a dispute involving sexual assault or sexual harassment, making them unenforceable under federal, state, or tribal law. 
  • Public Law 117-103: Reauthorized and strengthened the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to improve prevention efforts and responses to sexual violence. 
  • Public Law 116-189 (Empowering Olympic & Amateur Athletes Act): Established safeguards to protect amateur athletes from abuse, including sexual abuse, by coaches and employees within U.S. Olympic and Paralympic sports organizations. 

The Safer Sports act of 2024

The Assist played a vital role in shaping the Safer Sports for Athletes Act by reforming oversight, enhancing investigative processes, and strengthening support for survivors across all levels of sport. The Act proposes the following:

  • Expanding survivor services and SafeSport accountability
  • Prioritizing education and abuse prevention funding
  • Increasing access to victim advocates and relevant resources
  • Learn more from the testimony provided by President Grace French to Congress

State-Level Victories

In Michigan, we helped pass a six-bill package to expand the statute of limitations (SOL) and protect whistleblowers in cases of child sexual abuse.

  • SB 1187–1192: Civil SOL extended from 28 to 52
  • Public Acts 180 & 181 signed into law
  • These Acts strengthen legal protections for survivors
Two people smiling and holding a sign celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act.

Donate Today

Your donation supports survivors, funds sexual abuse prevention education, and helps make sport safer for all athletes.

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Get Involved

Stand with us! Your involvement impacts systems change, raises public awareness, and protects athletes.

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