The organisation claim that Rio 2016 will be the first time a "framework" for safeguarding athletes from abuse in sport will be in place, with the measures due to kick-in from the opening of the Olympic Village on July 24 until its closing on August 24.

An IOC welfare officer is due to co-ordinate the initiative, which will enable athletes to report an incident, with the official due to remain in place for the duration of the Games. 

Every reported incident will then be dealt with through a confidential procedure, which the IOC state will be linked to local law enforcement in Brazil, as well as relevant disciplinary channels.

National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and International Federations (IFs) have been issued guidelines on how to report any form of abuse.

The guidelines will also allow both the NOCs and IFs to implement their own policies around safeguarding athletes, with the proposals having been developed by the IOC in collaboration with the Olympic Movement.

They were approved by the Executive Board last month.

“The IOC considers the topic of harassment and abuse in sport as a very real danger that requires the commitment and unity of sports organisations worldwide to combat,” an IOC statement read.

“As such, a toolkit will be developed following the Olympic Games Rio 2016 that will contain best practice materials and step-by-step guidance to help all sports bodies in the implementation of a safeguarding policy related to the prevention of harassment and abuse.”

The measures have been aimed at strengthening the support available to athletes, as pledged in the IOC’s Agenda 2020 reforms.

They were also based on the recommendations of the IOC’s Athletes, Athletes’ Entourage, Medical and Scientific, and Women in Sport Commissions.