The call for help from the “Anlauf Against Violence” has largely gone unheard. The funding gap at the independent advice center for competitive athletes has not yet been closed. A Crowdfunding has not yet brought the desired success.
“The fight against violence needs you – help stop violence in sport!”is the call on one Crowdfunding-Platform. Because one of the major sponsors is withdrawing at the end of the year, the contact point lacks the money for sustainable financing. Just to secure the coming year, 60,000 euros are necessary. Three quarters of them have now come together, reports Nadine Dobler, who, together with Gitta Axmann, looks after those affected by physical, psychological and sexual violence.
“We’ve gained time, but it’s not enough yet”says Dobler in an interview with Sportschau. The call for donations on the crowdfunding platform brought in 7,300 euros in two months. The Lower Saxony Lotto Sport Foundation contributed 30,000 euros, as the advocacy group “Athleten Deutschland” confirmed at the Sportschau’s request.
300 requests for help
Three and a half years ago, “Athleten Deutschland” set up the “Anlauf gegen Violence” advice center because more and more athletes were reporting there and seeking help. The advice center has now received 300 requests for help, according to the current evaluation report. The contact point with its two contact persons has become an “anchor for those affected,” according to “Athletes Germany”. But internal sports departments also sought advice here “in order to be able to deal with their own reports more effectively”.
The total of 40,000 euros that have currently been raised made for one “short-term relief” it goes on to say, but are “not a sustainable solution”. If that doesn’t happen, Nadine Dobler notes, the work she is currently doing with her colleague will no longer be possible in the future.
Impact on current work
The contact point’s uncertain financial situation is already affecting its work: “If people come forward now and ask for support, I don’t know whether I can still look after them in the coming year.”Dobler describes the current situation. Because a phone call isn’t enough. This is often followed by a months-long journey with intensive support, discussions within the sports structures and, if necessary, the provision of initial legal and psychological advice.
According to its own statements, “Athleten Deutschland” is working to secure this support in the long term. In addition to the exchange with foundations, companies should also be addressed, as there is currently no support from business, according to the representation of the interests of the squad athletes: “It shouldn’t matter to sponsors who want to see athletes on the podium whether and how these people are protected.”