“To create and strengthen safe spaces for people affected by abuse in sport to further healing, amplify each other’s voices, and advocate for systemic change.”
In 2022, the Sport & Rights Alliance conducted a needs assessment to explore interest, capacity, and opportunities for an international network created and led by athletes with lived experience of abuse in sport.
Building on its goal to represent and elevate the voices of those most affected by the negative impacts of sport, the SRA held a series of focus groups with survivors, whistleblowers, representatives of local and national survivor-led organizations, and similar networks from other sectors.
The consultations revealed a clear need for an international network hosted by the SRA to facilitate greater connection, representation, advocacy and support. In 2024, led by Olympian, researcher and survivor Joanna Maranhão and guided by an advisory council of other athletes and allies, the SRA officially launched the Athletes Network for Safer Sports.
The Athletes Network for Safer Sports, a program of the Sport & Rights Alliance, is an international network of people and organizations connected by their lived experience of abuse in sport. We are a safe space that leverages our collective strength to continue our healing journey, amplify our voices, and achieve systemic change in the world of sport.
Our movement is committed to a human rights-based approach and is led and informed by those with lived experience. Learn more about the Network’s mission and vision by downloading the Strategic Plan below.
Download our Strategic Plan:
