SAFE – When Sport Becomes a Tool for Healing
In March, Lisbon hosted the launch of an ambitious and essential European initiative: the SAFE project, led by the Alice Milliat Foundation and supported by the Erasmus+ Sport programme of the European Commission.
Mission and Objectives of the Project
The SAFE project (Sport as A Factor of Empowerment) aims to establish a European model of therapeutic workshops for women victims of sexual violence, using sport—especially fencing—as a powerful tool for healing and empowerment.
Another key component of the project is the training of fencing coaches, psychologists, and physiotherapists to lead these workshops with a trauma-informed approach.
Project objectives :
Identify existing practices in therapeutic physical activity for victims of sexual violence
Develop and disseminate a European protocol
Roll out these workshops within the organisations and countries of the consortium
Raise awareness of the role of physical activity in trauma recovery
What happened in Lisbon:
Project partners were able to test the fencing-based reconstruction methodology developed by ATPEscrime – Activate Your Potential through Fencing
The consortium discussed the next steps of the project, including the research and development phase of an adapted European methodology. This will involve mapping existing sports-based trauma recovery tools in Europe and in partner countries. A European protocol for therapeutic fencing workshops for victims of sexual violence will then be developed.
Why this project?
While the therapeutic potential of physical activity has long been recognised in the military, its use in civilian trauma recovery—particularly for women victims of gender-based violence—remains underdeveloped.
For many victims, traditional therapy is not enough. Trauma often causes disconnection from the body, and physical activity can be a vital step in regaining that connection.
Unfortunately, few structured therapeutic sports programmes currently exist in Europe, due to a lack of research, protocols, and awareness.
SAFE aims to fill this gap by developing and promoting a reproducible, evidence-based model.
From Theory to Practice: The SAFE Project Timeline
Phase 1: Research and Development of an Adapted Methodology
Academic literature review to assess the current state of knowledge,
National analyses and a European synthesis outlining best existing practices,
Design of a European therapeutic workshop protocol, based on the proven methodology developed by ATP Escrime, which has supported victims through fencing since 2012.
Phase 2: Training and Deployment of Workshops Across Europe
Training sessions for fencing coaches, psychologists, and physiotherapists in the SAFE methodology,
Organisation of reconstruction workshops using fencing in Belgium, France, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Participants will receive a certificate at the end of the programme.
Cross-cutting Phase: Continuous Evaluation and Dissemination
Evaluation of the project’s outcomes and benefits
Organisation of conferences and workshops to share project tools and results
Project Partners:
Alice Milliat Foundation (France – LEADER)
ATP Escrime (France)
Sports Embassy (Portugal)
Luxembourg Fencing Federation (Luxembourg)
Association of Alumni of the Military School (Portugal)
French-speaking Federation of Fencing Clubs of Belgium (Belgium)
Think Tank Sport and Citizenship (France)