For minors, all disclosed abuse or reasonable suspicion of abuse must be reported based on your jurisdiction's applicable mandated reporting laws. For adults, there is a difference between disclosing and reporting, meaning adult survivors may disclose abuse without automatic reporting occurring. Adult survivors may also choose to report sexual assault to local authorities. The decision to disclose abuse can be very difficult for survivors, with many personal and societal factors to consider. Survivors most often disclose abuse to connect with support and resources, and to begin their healing process.

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For more information on reporting, visit our blog post detailing justice options for athletes.

Anyone can report child sexual abuse or reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse. To find numbers and information on reporting in your state, please visit this organization list provided by childwelfare.gov. You may also call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800.444.4453 for more information on local reporting procedures and processes. 

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Mandated Reporting laws are in place for all U.S. states and territories, listing which individuals are required to report suspected child abuse. In some states, all adults are required to report. If a minor discloses to a mandated reporter, all mandated reporting processes must be followed by law. When a mandated report is made to local authorities, child protection services will review the information and may conduct an investigation. Child protection workers within the human services departments in your jurisdiction can also help children and families access services, resources, and assistance. To review the statutes in your state listing mandated reporters, please visit the State Statutes Search provided on childwelfare.gov.

In addition to mandated reporting for children and reports made to law enforcement by adults, sporting federations and colleges may have their own mandated or optional reporting policies and procedures through SafeSport and Title IX.

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To learn about specific resources for your sport, please visit your sports page for links to your sport’s governing body. 

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For participants under the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, you can make a report to  SafeSport. Reports can be made online at uscenterforsafesport.org/report-a-concern or by calling 833.587.7233 Monday through Friday from 8 am - 4 pm MST. Reports to SafeSport are separate from reports to local authorities and can be filed in tandem or in lieu of those reports. In cases of child sexual abuse or misconduct, mandated reporting laws are in place and reports should be made to local authorities first, then with SafeSport. During the Response and Resolution Process, SafeSport may issue temporary suspensions and final sanctions on public record, which can be found in the Centralized Disciplinary Database.

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If you attend an educational institution that receives federal funding, whether K-12 or universities, then Title IX civil law regulations and procedures are present. To make a report through Title IX, contact your campus Title IX coordinator. For general information on the Title IX reporting process, please visit the Survivor Toolkit published by Equal Rights Advocates. An investigation through law enforcement does not take away from your institution’s obligations to respond under Title IX. Title IX rights require your school to conduct an investigation and take effective action to make a safe environment, as well as help you access resources and gain protection. 

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For non-crisis support and additional resources, visit #WeRideTogether’s resource hub.

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