Ireland's football coach claims she was raped by one person and sexually assaulted by two others when she was a young footballer.
Image via TwitterIreland football manager Vera Pauw Ireland women's national team coach Vera Pauw has released an extraordinary statement, saying she was raped and sexually assaulted during her footballing career in the Netherlands.
She opened up on the issue in a statement on social media yesterday.
This has been the toughest thing in my life but, finally, I'm ready to move on and be proud of who I am
Vera ? pic.twitter.com/27v25nFViP
— Vera Pauw (@verapauw) July 1, 2022
Pauw revealed her complaints were not properly dealt with by the Netherlands FA.
The soccer coach has since raised the issue with police in Amsterdam.
Vera claims she was raped once 'by a prominent football official' and sexually assaulted by two others, also working in Dutch football.
The Netherlands FA says it's 'very shocked' at Ireland coach Vera Pauw's allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Many well-known athletes and organisations have taken to Twitter to express their support of the Ireland manager.
The FAI has given its full support to Republic of Ireland WNT Manager Vera Pauw at this difficult time in her life as she makes very brave revelations about her past.
Statement ? https://t.co/cy36G3SsoL#WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/YvVPmcMPJG
— FAIreland ⚽️?? (@FAIreland) July 1, 2022
CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell, says it's unsurprising to see the coach say she blamed herself - because that's a common response:
"Our advice to people would be to recognise you are never responsible for someone assaulting you, sexually assaulting you including raping you and this is something that does affect people. There is a real impact of rape and sexual assault. It interferes with a person at the absolute centre and their dignity."
Wishing you @verapauw the strength and peace you need & deserve now. A reminder to anyone who needs it of supports . To start, linking to other help, is the confidential non-judgmental 24-Hour National Helpline at 1800 778888. See also https://t.co/fiezqxRIwk for other supports https://t.co/oXb3OCEP0b
— Noeline Blackwell (@Noeline_B) July 2, 2022
