
Therefore as part of the fight against sexual abuse in the martial arts, in addition to now requiring SafeSport certification for all new members and encouraging current members to obtain it, we proudly have donated to and pledge support for the Joyful Heart Foundation (click here), a leading national organization that aims to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, support survivors’ healing, and end this violence forever.
The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded by Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay (shown above) in 2004. They carry out their mission through an integrated program portfolio of education and advocacy. We also encourage all members and supporters of the US Association of Martial Arts to donate and support the Joyful Heart Foundation as they work to combat sexual abuse through such projects as ending the backlog of unprocessed rape kits (click here) and other impactful programs.