Today the New York Times published a story providing further details on now-deceased equestrian trainer Jimmy Williams and his abuse of young riders. In addition to describing Williams’ inappropriate and unacceptable actions, the article also discusses how painfully difficult it can be for survivors, athletes, and even parents to recognize the signs of abuse and report it. US Equestrian wants you to know: if you are a victim of abuse, it is never too late to come forward and make a report. You will be supported and an investigation will be conducted.

Better safeguards are now in place to prevent abuse and misconduct, but it is incumbent upon all of us as a community to look out for one another and, if you see or suspect abuse or wrongdoing, please report it to US Equestrian or the U.S. Center for SafeSport. All reporting is confidential.You can submit a report electronically to the Center or at (720) 524-5640.

LEARN MORE ABOUT RESOURCES

Reporting Sexual Misconduct Make a report to the U.S. Center for SafeSport if you have a reasonable suspicion of sexual misconduct such as child sex abuse, non-consensual sexual conduct, sexual harassment, or intimate relationships involving an imbalance of power. You can submit a report electronically to the Center or at (720) 524-5640. Reporting Misconduct to Local Authorities Contact your local authorities if you have a reasonable suspicion that child sexual abuse or neglect has occurred. All reports of child abuse or sexual assault of a minor must be reported to local authorities and the U.S. Center for SafeSport. Reports of abuse not involving a minor may also be reported to local authorities.
24 Hour Helpline Call (866) 200-0796 for 24/7 crisis interventions, referrals and emotional support. This confidential and secure helpline is operated by RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. For more information about this helpline, please visit www.safesporthelpline.org.                         Reporting Other Misconduct USEF handles all reports of suspected misconduct that is non-sexual in nature, including harassment, hazing, bullying, physical, or emotional misconduct. Reports can be made electronically to safesport@usef.org, or electronically or telephonically to any of the individuals on the Athlete Protection Team:   Sonja S. Keating, USEF General Counsel
(859) 225-2045
skeating@usef.org Sarah Gilbert, Paralegal
(859) 225-2022
sgilbert@usef.org Emily Pratt, Director of Regulation
(859) 225-6956
epratt@usef.org

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