What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect in sport

Steps to take

• Ensure the child’s immediate safety. If they are in danger, call 911.
• Understand if you are a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect or other forms of abuse in your state/jurisdiction.
• Find a safe, private space to talk. Be sure to inform athletes of your legal requirements to report if you are a mandatory reporter.
• Listen and believe them. Do not press for details. Instead, thank them for what they shared and ensure they feel heard. You are not the investigator.
• Reassure them. Let them know this is not their fault, and they did the right thing telling you. When possible, let them know you have to make a report of the abuse.
• Depending on the age and maturity of the child or youth, engage them in the process and ask them about what help they might need.
• You can contact Child Protective Services (CPS) or local law enforcement to make a report. Each state has different requirements around reporting. 
• If applicable and connected to US Olympic/Paralympic sports , you can cross-report through the U.S. Center for SafeSport or the sport organization’s reporting process. It is possible to file an anonymous report with the center, but please note that those reports can be challenging to investigate due to due process considerations.

Each state and country has different mandatory reporting laws. For information around reporting child abuse by state see:  https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/safety-and-risk/mandated-reporting/?top=78. For information on reporting child abuse in other countries see: https://outoftheshadows.global/data. Remember, even if you want to or are mandated to report child abuse, your role is not to investigate or “prove” the abuse. Your role is to make the report with the information you have.

Your Role:

• Listen without judgment. Believe them.
• Ask what they need from you. Do they want help finding a support line? Do they need to consider their safety? Do they want help filing a report? Do they just want someone to listen?
• Provide resources, these can include a local sexual assault center, law enforcement, U.S. Center for SafeSport in the United States, Athlete Survivor organizations.
• Do not pressure them to report—instead, help them understand their options or connect them to resources to help explain options.
• If they are in immediate physical danger, prioritize safety first and involve emergency services if needed.
• Always remember: this is their story, their choice. You are there to support, not to control their narrative. When you take control of an athlete survivor’s story, you are exerting yet another experience of power over and loss of autonomy.

When an adult discloses abuse, the priority is to support their choices and connect them with more information. Adult survivors have the legal right to decide on the next course of action.

NOT SURE IF IT’S ABUSE?

It is okay to feel uncertain. Abuse in sports is often hidden beneath toxic team cultures, “discipline” masked as neglect, or grooming disguised as favoritism. Trust your instincts.

You are not responsible for conducting an investigation. Understand any legal requirements you have to report. Talk to and engage the athlete if it is safe to do so and center their need for support. Connect them with resources. It is critical to realize that there is no one pathway to healing or accountability in ending abuse in sport.