THE BRITISH Athletes Commission (BAC) has partnered with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to launch a new dedicated helpline that will support with concerns of abuse in British Gymnastics.

The launch of this free, confidential helpline follows many current and retired gymnasts bravely speaking out about concerns of bullying and abuse.

Counsellors

Through the new helpline, trained NSPCC counsellors will offer support and guidance to children, young people or anyone involved with gymnastics who has safeguarding concerns – whether they’re funded athletes, former funded athletes, community-level athletes or parents.

We would also urge anyone involved in gymnastics who has safeguarding concerns to contact the helpline.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive

The helpline is a safe space for whistleblowing and will offer athletes the opportunity to contribute into the recently announced Independent Review at the appropriate time.

This dedicated helpline is the first component of the newly-established Athlete Support Unit being set up by the BAC following recent allegations.

The Unit will offer full administrative and welfare support to cases referred to it, and will provide end-to-end support to athletes and families affected by the allegations of abuse.

Details

The BAC will release further details of its Athlete Support Unit at a later date. BAC members can continue raise concerns directly with the BAC Athlete Support team via [email protected].

One of the most high profile abuse in gymnastics stories came about when American Megan Halicek went to Dr. Larry Nassar as a 15-year-old gymnast suffering from a fractured spine. But during what was supposed to be a routine appointment, Nassar assaulted her: “Again and again and again,” Halicek testified in court in January, “he abused me, all the while telling me stories about his Olympic journey.”

“I closed my eyes tight, I held my breath, and I wanted to puke,” she recalled. “To this day, those feelings are still there.”

Halicek was one of more than 150 women who came forward with harrowing testimony at the sentencing hearing for Nassar, a former doctor for USA Gymnastics and sports medicine physician at Michigan State University who pleaded guilty to charges of criminal sexual conduct and federal child pornography charges. A judge sentenced Nassar to up to 175 years in prison for his crimes.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “The reports emerging from gymnastics in recent weeks have been extremely disturbing – so, with the BAC, we’ve launched this dedicated helpline as it is absolutely vital that anyone who has suffered abuse has the opportunity to speak out and get the help they need.

“We would also urge anyone involved in gymnastics who has safeguarding concerns to contact the helpline. We are grateful to the BAC for their support and commitment in setting up this important service.”