Support Service
We provide lived-experience led, confidential, support for anyone in sports experiencing abuse in sport.
We know how daunting making a complaint can be.
We know how it feels to fear not being believed.
We know how it feels to live through sexual violence, and other forms of abuse in sport.
Kyniska Advocacy is by sportspeople for sportspeople. We’re here to help.
Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–6pm
We may operate out of these hours at the discretion of the support team member.
Get in Touch: You’re welcome to use the form below to contact our support team. You can keep it brief, and you’re in control of what you share
Not ready to fill out our form? Give us a text (+44 7895 054597) or an email (support@kyniskaadvocacy.com) instead
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"“I felt that I was valid in what I was saying, whereas I otherwise might have felt that I was overreacting to a situation.”
—Athlete A
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"Kyniska made me feel heard and supported"
—Athlete B
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"Kyniska made me feel supported and more confident in my decisions to report"
—Athlete C
What to expect when you reach out to our support service
Are you currently struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event? Are you feeling lost, isolated, or alone in your struggle? You don't have to go through this tough time alone. Our Support Services have been created to offer you the essential tools and resources you need.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way. We offer a wide range of services, including one-on-one emotional support, connecting you with legal advice, and support through reporting and campaigning, all tailored to meet your specific needs.
Over the past 4 years, we’ve supported over 50 athletes from 15 different sports.
FAQs
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The team at Kyniska Advocacy are not trained therapists or counsellors and we are therefore unable to provide you with therapy or counselling, nor can we represent you legally. We are not able to provide emergency assistance to women who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, abuse within sport.
Kyniska Advocacy offers free emotional support for women in sport. Whilst our service is confidential, no matter how you contact us, there are certain circumstances where we may need to break that confidentiality (for example, where there is serious risk of harm to you or others, if you disclose anything which relates to an individual under the age of 18, or if we need to comply with any legal obligations to share information). If appropriate, we will inform you that we are going to do this.
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If you want to speak to our volunteer support team, confidentially, we can help with the following:
Offer an ear to listen to your concerns and talk through your experiences.
Discuss your options and avenues based on our lived experience and knowledge of the reporting systems in different sports in the UK.
Support you through your journey of reporting by speaking on the phone, having regular check-ins at agreed times, by speaking to National Governing Bodies (NGBs) on your behalf if you feel intimidated by initial contact, authentically representing your voice, and advocating for you.
Signpost you to resources for mental health support, legal advice and organisations which specialise in sexual, physical, emotional and psychological abuse.
Advise if you have a concern about a friend or training partner who may be suffering from abuse.
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Our support service operates Monday–Friday from 10am–6pm. We may respond outwith those hours, case-dependent.
Please see our ‘Additional Support and Guidance’ for further info. -
We are a volunteer-run service so response times may vary, but we will endeavour to get back to you within 24 hours. If you need more immediate support, please call:
Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02
Used our service before?
It would help us greatly if you were able to take some time to fill out our feedback form below.