Our Mission
TO BRING AWARENESS,
ACCOUNTABILITY, & TRANSPARENCY
TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE
AGAINST ATHLETES AT ALL LEVELS
WELCOME TO
THE ARMY OF SURVIVORS
SUPPORTING SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVIVORS IN SPORTS
CHANGING SOCIETY THROUGH RESOURCES, ADVOCACY, AND EDUCATION
The Issue
The Army of Survivors is the only national organization advocating for and supporting child athlete survivors of sexual violence. We focus on these survivors because their numbers are staggering. A recent study indicated that 13% of student athletes are victims of sexual assault through their participation in sport (1).
With participation levels as they are today, there are at least 5.91 million survivors in the United States alone (2)(3).
These athletes need a voice.
The WoRK
Our organization was created by a group of more than 40 survivors of sexual violence. We are a diverse pool of athletes who competed at all levels: gymnasts, divers, runners, softball players, volleyball players, and more. Our combined history and experiences allow us to raise awareness of the systemic problem of sexual abuse against athletes. Our goal is to end sexual assault against young athletes by ensuring perpetrators and enablers are held accountable, creating transparency in reporting, building an environment in which athletes do not fear retaliation when reporting abuse, and advocating for change to protect survivors.
OUR PARTNERS
Child USA | Champion Women | MSUFCU | Shinola | SNAP | Me Too MSU | Reclaim MSU | MSU Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup | MSU Museum | University of Michigan Ross School of Business | Belles Against Violence | Courage First | HBO | Voices of Hope
Click here to download a guide to a trauma-informed approach to meetings and spaces.
Download Our 2019-2020 Annual Report
Title IX Changes
The Army of Survivors strongly opposes the new rules relating to Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.
The rollback of Title IX protections for survivors is devastating. While we advocate for changes within the new Title IX ruling, survivors on college campuses should know they still have protections under Clery Act and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Below are some resources to learn more.
Learn More about the Clery Act
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)
As Seen IN
the army of survivors twitter
If you missed it over the weekend, head to @McKaylaMaroney's Twitter to read her bravely sharing her survivor story
We are here for you, McKayla 💙
⚠️ Content warning
The Olympics & athletics should empower female athletes, not sexualize them. ⚽️🏀🎾
https://wbur.fm/37ePj5K
"We have a moral imperative to act by creating procedures and norms to protect this generation of young athletes — and the next — from the epidemic of child sexual abuse."
Excellent article by @RiversJulieAnn @survivorsarmy @CHILDUSAdvocacy
➡️https://bit.ly/3A2GWqq
Sports are a refuge for children — let's ensure their safety from abuse -- by @survivorsarmy & @CHILD_USA https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/565267-sports-are-a-refuge-for-children-lets-ensure-their-safety-from
These facts still stick with me years after learning them.
ANY youth-focused organization, whether sports, camps, etc, that REQUIRES separation between the child & parent & limits outside communication should raise flags for any parent. https://twitter.com/R_Denhollander/status/1421956548113412097
the army of survivors instagram
![Some reminders to any athletes that might need them 💛 You are #MoreThanAMedal
[image description: alternating pink & blue backgrounds. Copy: Dear athlete, you are more than your athletic achievements. Your mental health matters as much as your physical health. Your self-worth is not determined by your performance in a sport. Being an athlete does not define you. You are more than a medal.]](https://thearmyofsurvivors.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
