The survey aims to give athletes aged 18 years of age or older the opportunity to share their experiences.

Data collected from the survey will be used to help the centre improve its support of athletes when it comes to preventing and responding to sexual, emotional and physical abuse and misconduct.

The US Center for SafeSport says the 30-minute online survey is anonymous for all participants.

It is part of a collaborative effort between a dozen national governing bodies, Paralympic sport organisations, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and athlete representatives from various sports.

An independent research team at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro's Institute to Promote Athlete Health and Wellness will oversee the survey.

The US Center for SafeSport says this will safeguard the privacy and protect the identity of the survey's respondents.

The survey will remain open until November 15.

The centre has already developed social media posts so athletes and organisations can help spread the word on their own accounts.

Eligible athletes who complete the survey will receive a $20 (£15/€17) Amazon gift card while supplies last.

The US Center for SafeSport was formed in 2017 to handle sex-abuse cases in the Olympic and Paralympic movement.

The organisation says it aims to make athlete well-being the centrepiece of the nation's sports culture through abuse prevention, education and accountability.

The United States has been hit hard by high-profile sexual abuse cases in recent years, including the scandal involving former national gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.

The survey can be accessed here.