Warning: This story contains a description of sexual assault
Vera Pauw, the manager of the Republic of Ireland, said she was raped and sexually assaulted by three men involved in Dutch football.
The 59-year-old who played in the Netherlands and managed them for 6 years has been an Irish boss since 2019.
In a statement released on Twitter, she said:
She states that she was raped by a “famous footballer” when she was young and then sexually assaulted by two other men.
According to her statement, all three were employed in Dutch football at the time of the incident.
In response, the Royal Dutch Football Association admitted that it had made a mistake, saying it had started its own investigation in the past with the help of Poe.
“We acknowledged the error identified in the report, which should not have happened to her. It is unacceptable that Bella did not experience a qualified and safe working environment at that time,” it says. rice field.
Poe added that the Dutch setup as a player and manager was exposed to systematic sexual abuse, abuse of power, bullying and intimidation.
“For the past 35 years, I have kept abuse private. I have allowed it’s memory to control my life, be filled with daily pain and pain, and dominate my inner emotions. “She said.
“For many, I’m seen as an exaggerated and noisy football coach and manager, and a tough woman at the top of the men’s world. I can’t get far from the truth.”
She said she recently reported the breach to Dutch police after submitting five reports to the Dutch FA without a satisfactory response.
“At KNVB, we are very shocked by the unrecent past experience Vera Pau told in last year’s conversation,” said the Dutch FA.
An independent study “showed that the KNVB should have approached many problems in different ways.”
Pauw has been exposed to errors and harmful comments from Dutch FA employees, and KNVB has not fully responded to Vera’s first “2011 first signal of sexual assault” or is appropriate. It turns out that the policy is not being enforced.
It said in a further 2017 conversation about Poe’s experience, she “explicitly” asked them to take no action.
Poe said: “It’s [going to the police] It already feels like the beginning of the end to me, but I know there will be more pain in the future. A story may appear in the Dutch media of my horrifying trials, and I know that claims may be made against me to hurt my story, “she said. ..
She says she wants others with similar experiences to “feel brave enough to go forward and share their stories.”
Her statement also called for “what remains in my privacy” and thanked the Irish Football Association for its support.
“I always feel safe and I continue to feel safe and supported in Ireland. I don’t know how comfortable it is,” she said.
“This is me. I don’t have to hide it anymore. I hope I can continue my life freely.”
The FAI statement states: “FAI has provided her with all the support that may be needed at the personal and professional level.
“FAI is fully aware of the impact of these revelations on Vera’s well-being and has assured her the continued and full support of all colleagues of the FAI Board and Association.”
The Dutch FA said it would take action according to the recommendations of the report.
- If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, there are details of the organization that will provide advice and support at. http://bbc.co.uk/actionline Alternatively, you can call 0800 066066. The line is open 24 hours a day and calls are free.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
