Out of Bounds — It's Not Just a Ride Home

This Podcast discusses sensitive topics related to abuse; listener discretion is advised. For resources and support, visit WeRideTogether.today. Listeners should not rely on any information in this recording for making personal, health-related, or legal decisions. For resources and support, visit WeRideTogether.today. #WeRideTogether and its productions and affiliates are not responsible for any impact the content may cause. For resources and support, visit WeRideTogether.today. Views and opinions from the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of their affiliated organizations or entities.

About the Episode:

Caroline Culbertson hosts Dr. Tess Kilwein, Dr. Tyler Miles, and Margaret Hoelzer in unpacking the themes and topics of the survivor experience elicited in "It's Not Just a Ride Home."

"It's Not Just a Ride Home" puts the viewer in the shoes of the victim of grooming, a form of sexual abuse, perpetrated by their coach. The video gives the audience insight into the short-term aftermath of experiencing trauma, encourages learning about the signs and stages of grooming, and highlights the opportunity for safe, active bystander intervention. The sports psychologists, Dr. Kilwein and Dr. Miles, and Olympic medalist, Margaret Hoelzer, give education on trauma and trauma responses, aftermath and aspects of trauma in sports settings, and healing from trauma. Covering harmful dynamics in athletics, prevention strategies, and listening to and following the lead of survivors, the subject matter experts contribute language and examples that survivors, athletes, parents, coaches, providers, and sporting organizational staff can use to better understand and support survivors. Note, this Podcast is an abridged version of the full Roundtable Discussion.

Episode Topics:

Trauma and Abuse in Sports (00:24)

Consent and Power Imbalances (08:23)

Grooming (20:05)

Aftermath of Abuse (30:26)

Prevention Education and Intervention (37:07)

Resources and Support:

If you or someone you know needs support, visit #WeRideTogether's resources and crisis resources.

About the Series:

The Out of Bounds series consists of four short-form PSAs, each of which explores facets of the victim experience, inside and outside the world of sports, and provides insight, language, and metaphor into "what it's like" to be a victim of sexual abuse or misconduct. The PSAs allow the audience to walk in the victim's shoes as they navigate the survivor's journey interpersonally and within society. Additionally, #WeRideTogether has hosted four longer-form discussions with survivors and subject matter experts to expand the conversation on the topics and nuances in the PSAs. Supporting information and resources for survivors, athletes, parents, coaches, organizations, supporters, and society at large are also provided.

About #WeRideTogether:

#WeRideTogether is a nonprofit organization created to cast light upon the endemic issue of sexual abuse in youth and amateur sports. Our mission is to make the youth and amateur sport environment safer for all athletes. We believe sport should be the safest and healthiest place for children and young adults to grow and flourish, and that every individual has the right to learn, play, and compete without fear of sexual abuse. We are committed to creating the radical change needed to fulfill that vision by addressing education and awareness, creating a safe place for survivors to find resources and share their voices, and eliminating the stigma around these necessary conversations.