Yoga Alliance is a voluntary organization that serves yoga schools and yoga teachers globally and exists to listen, to uplift, and to support its members and the broader yoga community. Over time, we have seen conversation surrounding power imbalances in yoga become especially heightened as society continues to rightfully louden the conversation about sexual misconduct in general. Unfortunately, spaces traditionally known for healing, such as yoga, have not been immune.
It is with this lens we ask ourselves: how does power present itself in the practice and teaching of yoga, and how can we, Yoga Alliance, shift the conversation to one of empowerment?
It starts with education. Below, we have compiled a list of available resources pertaining to sexual misconduct, sexual violence, or sexual assault.
Yoga Alliance deeply thanks the organizations and partners below for their support in ensuring everyone can practice yoga free from abuse, harassment, and manipulation.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. It created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which is available 24 hours per day 7 days per week at 800-656-HOPE (4673) and online via live chat at online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es.
In 2018, Yoga Alliance recorded a Unity in Yoga podcast between former President & CEO David Lipsius, current President & CEO Shannon Roche, and RAINN’s Vice President of Consulting Services Kati Lake, shedding light on the issue of sexual misconduct in yoga.
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) is a leading nonprofit in providing information and tools to prevent and respond to sexual violence. NSVRC offers a wide range of resources on sexual violence including statistics, research, position statements, curricula, prevention initiatives, and program information to assist sexual assault coalitions, advocates, and others interested in understanding and eliminating sexual violence. Please note that NSVRC is not a direct service provider and does not provide crisis support.
Should any United States citizen find themselves a victim of crime while traveling abroad, Yoga Alliance would like to remind them that The State Department is committed to assisting them. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from the U.S. or Canada) or 202-501-4444 (from overseas). Consular Officers are available for emergency assistance 24 hours per day 7 days per week.
For Our International Members
Yoga Alliance believes that fostering a safe environment to practice yoga free from harm does not end at the borders of the United States. Providing resources to the yoga community worldwide is extremely important to us. While we continue our work to identify partner organizations, if you are aware of potential resources for international members, please reach out to us at info@yogaalliance.org.