Athletic competition can be an empowering experience that helps create leaders and team players both in and out of the arena. This is an especially powerful experience in women's athletics. Roller Derby is the only sport in the nation that is primarily owned, operated, and played by women and transgender athletes. Many people's lives have been changed by positive experiences in Roller Derby. But unfortunately, there have been a number of cases of bullying and even cases of sexual assault. Sexual assault strips people of confidence and can cause permanent trauma. Sexual assault has no place in sports, and no place in Roller Derby.

Unfortunately, a member of the Steel City Derby Demons was sexually assaulted in her sleep by another member of the league. After reporting the incident, she faced retaliation, bullying, and was kicked out of the league.

Please take steps to end sexual assault in your athletics organization.

• Put in place a fair, proactive and sensitive policy for handling sexual assault and sexual harassment based on democratic business practices and on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.



• have the entire league, beginning with the leadership, trained by professionals on issues of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence.



• Cease retaliation against the victim and issue an apology

• Reinstate the victim back into the league in good standing