Support Athlete Survivors with Care

Understand Your Role

• Know your obligations to report abuse if you are a mandated reporter
• Ask the survivor what they want to happen next, if it is safe to do so
• Know your options to seek help and support.
• Know the available options for reporting.
• Talk with a confidential advocate to understand the processes and repercussions.

Key points to remember

As a witness or whistleblower, you may have a role in supporting survivors and connecting them to resources. You may also want to report to an institution that can investigate.

What is a wHISTLEBLOWER

• Seeing a violation of the law
• Seeing abuse or harm to another

Key points to remember

A whistleblower is an individual who brings attention to wrongdoing, such as fraud, harassment, or abuse. Whistleblowers call attention to wrongdoing they see and witness. They are often involved in the investigation process.

Do I have options in reporting?

• Reporting to employer/place of work
• Reporting to a sport’s National Governing Body
• Reporting to US Center for Safe Sport
• Reporting to Law Enforcement

Key points to remember

• Yes. You have options in how you report and what information you share.
• Many systems, such as the US Center for Safe Sport have anonymous reporting options, although they can make it hard to investigate a case without named witnesses.
• You can also talk with a local confidential advocate to understand the reporting options in your state and/or country. See Helplines for more resources.