The Army of Survivors

Our end-of-year fundraiser is almost here! Join us in advocating for survivors and creating lasting change. Every dollar helps us educate, advocate, and empower. Together, we can make a difference. 🌟 #thearmyofsurvivors #endabuseinsports

We're aspiring big this year! Our end-of-year campaign is launching in a few days. We're focused on expanding our essential services for athlete survivors because the need for support is greater than ever. Our goal is ambitious – $200,000 by December 31st – but with your generosity and commitment, we know we can make it. Here’s how we're currently making a difference: 💚 Championing policies that protect and support survivors, ensuring their voices are heard. 💚 Providing resources and training to raise awareness about sexual violence and its impact. 💚 Building a strong network of support through events and outreach programs. 💚 Offering resources and connections to help survivors on their healing journeys. 💚 Creating a community where survivors can share their stories and reclaim their narratives. Together, we can create a world where every survivor feels heard, supported, and empowered. 💪✨ #TheArmyOfSurvivors #SurvivorSupport #EndTheSilence

TRAUMA WARNING It's distressing to acknowledge, but 13% of athletes endure sexual abuse during childhood in sports, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting. Parents often seek guidance on how to respond if their child-athlete discloses such incidents. While there's no simple solution, being prepared to react appropriately is crucial. Here's what you can do: 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: ✔️ Remain Calm: Stay composed during the disclosure; expressing anger might inadvertently suggest frustration towards the child rather than the abuser. ✔️ Provide a Safe Space: Take your child to a private area where they feel comfortable discussing the situation. If they choose to disclose to you instead of another caregiver, respect their choice. ✔️ Listen and Believe: Actively listen, believe, and offer unwavering support. Reassure your child that you trust their account and are there to help. ✔️ Continuous Reassurance: Throughout the process, consistently reassure your child. Communicate in a way that suits their understanding, maintaining a calm and empathetic tone. ✔️ Ensure Non-Blame: Emphasize that the abuse is not their fault and that they are not responsible for what happened. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: ✍️ Contact Pediatrician: Reach out to your child's pediatrician promptly for professional guidance. ✍️ Notify CPS: Contact your local Child Protective Services (CPS) agency to report the incident. ✍️ Seek Reporting Assistance: If needed, seek guidance from Childhelp USA at 1-800-422-4453 for assistance with reporting. TAOS is committed to supporting athlete-survivors and their families. For resources, contact info@thearmyofsurvivors.org

Healing is a Journey, Not a Straight Line Healing rarely follows a predictable path. It’s a process full of ups and downs, progress and setbacks. Some days, you may feel strong, while on others, you might feel like you're back at the starting point. Yet, even when it seems like you're moving backward, trust that healing is still unfolding.

As fall arrives and students across the country rush to join teams and organizations, it's important to recognize that this is also a time when hazing tends to increase. Hazing is a form of physical and/or psychological abuse. The Army of Survivors stands in solidarity with athlete survivors who have experienced hazing; we acknowledge what you have endured and raise our voices in support. Visit our website for more information and resources on abuse in sports.

Content warning: abuse in sports "I felt like once I came forward about my abuse, I went back into a space and didn't quite feel as if I had the support that I needed. And so this is a way for us to create those trauma-informed spaces so that those who do come forward about abuse or who have experienced abuse can go back to that support and continue to do what they love." - TAOS founder and president, Grace French 💚 Listen to the full podcast here: https://lnkd.in/e5qrnQmT #thearmyofsurvivors

On #WorldIndigenousPeoplesDay, we honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the globe. In 2028, lacrosse will make its return to the Olympics, but the sport's originators might face barriers to participation. Lacrosse, a sport deeply rooted in the traditions of Indigenous communities in North America, holds not only cultural significance but also serves as a symbol of resilience, sovereignty, and heritage. Join us in promoting awareness and recognition for Indigenous sports teams facing unjust barriers. 🌏 #thearmyofsurvivors #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Content warning: child sexual abuse Did you know? Athlete survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) are 8x more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health condition - according to a 2024 study in the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment, and Trauma. This reality highlights the urgent need for better support systems and awareness. When survivors come forward, they are met with immense challenges—mentally, emotionally, and socially. The stigma they face often compounds the trauma they’ve already endured. Let’s stand together and advocate for a world that not only believes survivors, but provides the care and compassion they deserve. 💚 This #WorldMentalHealthDay, we honor the strength of survivors. Your mental health matters, and you are not alone. #TheArmyOfSurvivors #WorldMentalHealthDay2024 #MentalHealthMatters

You're invited to virtual office hours with TAOS to discuss the current climate of abuse in sports including intersections with public schools, universities and Title IX. TAOS advocates will be available to answer your questions and share resources for supporting athlete survivors. Office hours will be held virtually on October 9 from 10-11AM PT. Register here: https://lnkd.in/exRDBsCw. ✏️ The Army of Survivors is an organization that works to end sexual assault against athletes by ensuring those who harm and enable harm 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.

Refuse To Do Nothing: A Virtual Global Summit In honor of Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei who was killed by her former boyfriend in September. Join us tomorrow, October 4th, at 8:00 AM PDT for a powerful conversation about ending violence against women in sports. This summit, hosted by The Stanford Center for Sports Equity and Tirop's Angels, will feature notable speakers like Reem Alsalem, Joan Chelimo, and Michelle McKinney Hammond, all uniting for the cause. Together, we can stand against abuse, raise awareness, and foster a safer future for women in sports. 🧡 📅 Mark your calendars and be part of the change! Register here: https://bit.ly/4gJn41L #RTDN #OrangeTheWorld