As part of its mission to cultivate safer, more inclusive athletic environments, the RISE (Rise Empowered Above Sexual Violence in Sports) project has articulated key objectives aimed at dismantling the systemic risks of sexual violence within the sports domain. The initiative brings together stakeholders from Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Austria, Italy, and Spain in a coordinated, cross-border effort to identify, address, and prevent abuse in athletic settings.

Through a multifaceted approach, the RISE research studies, conducted in all partner countries proceeded with an initiative to

– Assess the needs of athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, recognizing that each group requires distinct knowledge, training, and policy support to fulfill their roles in building a culture of safety.

– Identify gaps in awareness and education, uncovering where misunderstanding and inaction can allow abuse to persist unchecked.

– Tailor interventions based on specific roles within the sports ecosystem—from safeguarding policies for administrators to training programs for coaches and educational tools for athletes.

– Map and learn from existing best practices, spotlighting effective strategies such as bystander intervention training and digital reporting platforms, which can be adapted and scaled across various sporting contexts.

– Strengthen policy advocacy and capacity building, using data-driven insights to support the development of actionable, evidence-based policies that ensure accountability and long-term systemic change.

By connecting research with real-world implementation, the RISE initiative empowers stakeholders to respond with clarity, empathy, and impact. This work lays the foundation for a resilient framework of prevention and care, enabling sports communities to operate with integrity, respect, and safety at every level.

View the RISE Comprehensive Report “Assessment of Sensitization and Awareness Needs and Mapping of Good Practices for Prevention of Sexual Violence” HERE.