Ireland’s women’s team coach Vera Pauw reveals she was raped and sexually assaulted

The Republic of Ireland women’s team coach Vera Pauw reveals she was raped and sexually assaulted as a player several years ago.
The Football Association of Ireland has given its full support to the women’s national team head coach, Vera Pauw, after her revelations of rape and sexual abuse.

Pauw, who featured in 89 games for the Netherlands from 1984 to 1998, has said in a statement on social media that she was raped by “a prominent football official” when she was a young player.

The 59-year-old said, “For 35 years, I have kept a secret from the world, from my family, from my teammates, my players, and now I can finally accept, from myself.”

“Even those closest to me have not known of the rape I endured at the hands of a prominent football official when I was a young player. Later two sexual assaults by two other men were added to this record. All three men were employed within Dutch football at the time of these incidents.”

The Football Association of Ireland, which appointed Pauw in September 2019, said in a statement saying they understood the impact of Pauw’s revelations and were fully behind their head coach.
“The FAI is absolutely aware of the impact these revelations will have on Vera’s well-being and have assured her of the ongoing full support of the FAI Board and all her colleagues at the Association.”
Pauw said she had reported her ordeal to the Dutch police, adding: “Trust me, my story is very real and very true. I know going public is going to throw the spotlight on my life in a manner I have never experienced before, but I also hope other young footballers and coaches who were exposed to anything like the rape and abuse I suffered will now feel brave enough to come forward and share their stories.”

Meanwhile, Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) also released a statement admitting that they “did not react sharply enough” to Vera Pauw’s first reports that men working within Dutch football had sexually abused her, adding: “It is unacceptable that Vera did not experience the safe working environment she was entitled to.”

“As a result, we have jointly decided to have research done. Vera wanted this to be carried out by Verinorm, an independent research agency that specialises in social safety,” the KNVB said.

They further added, “We want to discuss the recommendations from the report internally and with Vera as soon as possible but with the utmost care so that we can set out actions. Also with a view to recovery mediation.”
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