Aly Raisman Launches Initiative to Help Protect Athletes from Sexual Abuse

Called Flip the Switch, Aly Raisman calls on supporters to help make sports safer for young participants.

So special to spend time with the @aerie team, who works so hard to set such a great example for all girls and women. Feel so lucky to be a part of a brand that encourages everyone to embrace their beauty inside and out. Lots of exciting things in the works. #DreamComeTrue Thanks for supporting me 💗#AeriePartner #AerieReal @iskra 💗💗💗

A post shared by Alexandra Raisman (@alyraisman) on Mar 9, 2018 at 6:37pm PST

During an interview with Sports Illustrated, the former Olympian stated, “To address this terrible problem, we all need to be willing to confront it head-on. Sexual abuse is something that needs to be discussed openly, especially now, given the challenges our sport is facing, and all adults should become educated as to how to prevent it. Ignoring the issue, in hopes that it goes away, is unacceptable. Athlete safety must be the highest priority.”

#FlipTheSwitch 42 million Americans are survivors of child sexual abuse. We MUST change that horrifying number. I urge u to go to https://t.co/C3tnm0hw4W. U have the power to make change. Here is my certificate of completion (Will personally sign yours if U complete the program!) pic.twitter.com/bHhgiF1m0k

— Alexandra Raisman (@Aly_Raisman) March 9, 2018

The organization, along with Darkness to Light, offers free training for coaches and parents on spotting signs of abuse. Raisman plans to personally sign each and every certificate of completion. Athletes such as Michael Phelps and Gus Kenworthy have voiced their support.

This is an important issue in every sport, and I encourage all adults to join me in completing this program. @Aly_Raisman

— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) March 8, 2018

It’s so important for sports to be a safe space for kids. @Aly_Raisman is doing something to help end child sex abuse – click the link to see how you can too! https://t.co/7SQKW3FO16

— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) March 8, 2018

It is so inspiring to see Aly taking a stand against such an important issue in today’s society. It definitely gives us encouragement and shows that you can make any and every negative experience in your life become your voice and turn it into something empowering and positive on your end.