If you are concerned about someone who has experienced any kind of harm, abuse or violence in an equestrian setting, we are here to help.
If you would like to discuss how to support someone in your life, contact us.
If you are concerned about someone who has experienced any kind of harm, abuse or violence in an equestrian setting, we are here to help.
Supporting someone who has been through something traumatic can be challenging – you want to say the right thing, and you want to be there for them. Seeking help from organisations like ours is a great way to be there for the person you know, and to get support that you may need, too.
Confidential support is available 8.30-4.30, Monday-Friday
Consent is important
Victim–survivors may feel a loss of trust in others or a desire to feel in control of what happens next in their life. If they trust you with personal information about what happened to them it is essential that you get their permission before you report it to us or talk to other people about it. This does not apply to adults reporting on behalf of children.
Parents and Guardians
The equestrian industry is built on passion, tradition and trust. Whilst this creates a close-knit community, it also increases the risk of harm that your child is exposed to.
There are many well-meaning adults in the equestrian community. However, some of these people reinforce harmful attitudes or behaviours that are ingrained in equestrian environments. There are also adults who may be intentionally manipulative who can be dangerous when given opportunities to abuse their position of trust.
You are the best person to speak up for your child.
It is essential to question and call out unsafe or inappropriate behaviours on your child’s behalf.
EQUISS is independent and puts the safety and wellbeing of every child first.
Confidential support is available
8.30-4.30 Monday-Friday, access it here.
If you believe your child is at risk
If your child is a victim–survivor of abuse
Preventing Abuse
As a parent, there are boundaries you can set and interventions you can make to help lower the risk of harm.
These checklists outline the practical steps you can take:
- Working on yards
- Stay-away events and competitions
- Employer-provided accommodation
- Coaching and training relationships
- Lone working in rural settings
Staying aware of risks
Grooming can begin when an adult offers free coaching, provides special access to horses, gives gifts and sends private messages to a child. At first this can seem harmless, but this behaviour can escalate to an inappropriate relationship. If sustained, this could lead to the groomer pressuring your child into sex or unpaid labour as repayment for their initial generosity.
Online harms are increasingly present in equestrian environments. This can include cyberbullying between peers, intimate image abuse (so-called “revenge porn”) and harassment via messaging.
If your child has access to a device, it is important that you introduce safeguards to help prevent harm. Your child’s coach or employer should not have one-to-one online communication with your child – they should communicate in group chats with you included.
Supporting someone
When someone shares their experiences of harm or abuse with you, how you respond is critical. Take the time to listen, believe, and make clear that what happened is not their fault. Being non-judgemental and making it clear that you are willing to be led by what they want and need, can create a feeling of safety and support.
It may be that the person who has told you about their experiences doesn’t want to do anything about it right now. Unless there is immediate danger, it’s important to respect this, even if you think they should make a different decision. Choosing to leave someone who is abusive, or to report harm and abuse, can be a complex and challenging process, so make it clear to them that you are there to support them at their own pace, whenever they feel ready.
It may be helpful to share support resources with them, like the EQUISS support line or the expert services listed below.
Confidential support is available 8.30-4.30, Monday-Friday, access it here.
Access support now
EQUISS confidential support for equestrians: equiss.org.uk
Refuge 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000247 | nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Rape Crisis England & Wales 24/7 Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222 | 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line: specialist support for male survivors: 0808 8010327 | mensadviceline.org.uk
Galop - specialist support for LGBT+ survivors: 0800 999 5428 | galop.org.uk
Karma Nirvana - support for honour based abuse: 0800 5999 247 | karmanirvana.org.uk
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300 | suzylamplugh.org
Revenge Porn Helpline: 0345 6000 459 | revengepornhelpline.org.uk
Advocacy After Domestic Abuse – support for those left behind after fatal domestic homicide: 07887 488 464 | aafda.org.uk
Samaritans: 116 123 | samaritans.org
Rights of Women: 020 7251 6575 | rightsofwomen.org.uk
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