USOC's Make the Commitment: Stop Abuse in Sport, a 12-month SafeSport programme that launches in conjunction with child abuse awareness month, is designed to stop misconduct in sport and is the latest step taken by the organisation to implement the recommendations of its Working Group for Safe Training Environments.

With research indicating that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18 - likely by someone they know and trust - and with an estimated 44 million youth participating in sport and youth-serving communities the USOC is trying to help change the odds.

"Sport offers innumerable benefits to kids, including enhanced confidence, leadership and self-worth, all important elements to preventing abuse," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"The US Olympic Committee's commitment to this issue is fully aligned with the values of the Olympic Movement, and as sport administrators, it is our responsibility to provide the essential leadership, energy and resources to create safe and secure environments for children."


Supporters of the campaign can visit the dedicated website, where they can access resources and take part in free live training webinars that outline actionable information on different monthly topics to help participants understand, prevent and report child abuse.

"The US Olympic Committee and its National Governing Bodies operate at the national level, so it's critical to provide prevention tools to local clubs, coaches and volunteers who have an opportunity to make an impact at the grassroots level," said Malia Arrington, USOC director of ethics and SafeSport.

"This requires constant vigilance and a communal effort among individuals and organisations with a commitment to preventing child abuse."

The campaign is due to conclude with a SafeSport summit in April 2014, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and applied training through practical workshops.

For more information on Make the Commitment and SafeSport, click here.

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