SwimAssist

Safe Sport

Support & resources for survivors

SwimAssist is USA Swimming’s assistance fund for survivors of abuse. Established in 2014, the goal of SwimAssist is to support survivors with the financial burden of seeking counseling, therapy, or other healing treatment. Just as important as the development of educational resources in abuse prevention programs, we recognize our responsibility to provide support and resources to survivors of abuse wherever possible. No one should ever experience abuse while participating in sport, including swimming.

Any member who has experienced abuse in connection with their participation in USA Swimming may qualify for the organization’s SwimAssist program.

A survivor will be asked to identify the perpetrator of the abuse and the year(s) the harm occurred. No other information is required to receive SwimAssist, and receipt of support is not dependent on the survivor’s participation in the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s or USA Swimming’s disciplinary process. USA Swimming is required to report instances of sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities; however, it is up to the survivor whether to pursue further action.

To request SwimAssist, a survivor or their designee can reach out to USA Swimming in several ways:

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Email swimassist@usaswimming.org

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Call USA Swimming at 719-866-4578 and ask for USA Swimming Safe Sport staff

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Or if an individual is working with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, let the Center know of their interest in SwimAssist and the Center will connect you with USA Swimming

No matter how an individual reaches out, USA Swimming staff is available to help them get started.

Overview and Application

SwimAssist is set up to accommodate the many ways a survivor may need to heal. There are three levels of SwimAssist:

(1) Initial Counseling

(2) Ongoing Counseling

(3) Alternative Assistance

USA Swimming will work with the survivor, their selected treatment provider, and the SwimAssist Panel to remove barriers to healing and help complete the necessary paperwork that each level of assistance might require.

Selecting a therapist or counseling provider is a very personal process and a decision that a survivor should have complete power to make. The survivor and their family will select a provider who they feel is best. USA Swimming can assist in identifying local resources for a survivor but will not have any input or final say in what treatment provider a survivor chooses.

Fees for services will be paid by USA Swimming directly to the provider.

We appreciate the individuals who have come forward to share their experiences and hope that those who have received SwimAssist have found it helpful to their healing process. If you feel that SwimAssist would benefit you, now or in the future, please reach out. Or for additional information, please click here.

Questions & Inquiries

SwimAssist is available to any current or former USA Swimming member who has suffered abuse perpetrated by an individual who at the time of the harm was (1) a member of USA Swimming and (2) participating in the activities of USA Swimming.

SafeSport Helpline

For 24/7 crisis support, contact the SafeSport helpline for crisis interventions, referrals and emotional support. This confidential and secure helpline is operated by RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.

National Children’s Alliance

NCA represents the national network of Child Advocacy Centers (CAC). CACs host a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement, child protective services, victim advocates and mental health practitioners who investigate instances of child abuse and neglect.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

This national hotline serves people affected by sexual violence. To search for local centers, visit their website or call the hotline phone number, 800.656.HOPE.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention LifeLine provides a national network of 160 local crisis centers and provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit their site for help.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

NSVRC provides leadership in preventing and responding to sexual violence through collaboration, sharing and creating resources, and promoting research. Here you will find information for survivors, friends & family, advocates & educators and media & press.

1 in 6

1 in 6 offers a wide range of information and services for men with histories of unwanted or abusive sexual experiences, and anyone who cares about them. Some of their resources include a 24/7 online helpline and weekly online support groups.

Stop it Now!

Stop it Now! provides support, information and resources to individuals, families and communities so they can act to prevent child sexual abuse before children are harmed, and to get help for everyone involved.

Childhelp

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides professional counselors who are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and all calls are anonymous and toll-free. Assistance is provided in more than 170 languages to adults, children and youth.