France Takes Decisive Action Against Abuse in Sport: New Initiative Targets Supervisors & Clubs – Breaking News
CARCASSONNE, FRANCE – In a move hailed as a critical step towards safeguarding athletes, the Department of Aude, in collaboration with the Prefecture and the Departmental Olympic and Sports Committee, is launching a nationwide series of meetings aimed at preventing sexist and sexual violence within French sports. This urgent initiative, fueled by a recent European study revealing a shockingly high prevalence of abuse, and bolstered by new legislation, signals a zero-tolerance approach to protecting young athletes.
Alarming Statistics Drive Immediate Action
A 2021 European study revealed that one in seven children involved in sports are victims of sexist or sexual violence. These sobering figures prompted authorities to act swiftly, recognizing the urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures. The initiative isn’t just about responding to incidents; it’s about proactively changing the culture within sports organizations.
The Pla-Abitbol Law: A Game Changer for Athlete Safety
Central to this new push is the Pla-Abitbol law, enacted on March 8, 2024. Spearheaded by Senator Sébastien Pla and former skating champion Sarah Abitbol, the law mandates that anyone working with minors in a sporting capacity must now provide a certificate confirming they have no convictions incompatible with their role. This represents a significant strengthening of vetting procedures and a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated. Abitbol, who bravely shared her own experiences, has been a vocal advocate for change, previously presenting her powerful photographic exhibition in Carcassonne last November.
What the Meetings Will Cover: A Focus on Prevention & Support
The first meeting kicks off this Monday, September 29th, in Carcassonne, hosted at the Hôtel du Département and opened by Chloé Danillon, vice-president in charge of child protection and local social action. Led by Laëtitia Haro, Occitania prevention project manager of the Colosse Aux Foot d’Argile association, and Alexandre Lucas, head of the Departmental Youth, Engagement and Sports Service (SDJES), the sessions will cover crucial areas including:
- Real-Life Testimonies: Providing a human face to the issue and fostering empathy.
- Legal Framework: Clarifying the rights and responsibilities of all involved.
- Alert Signals: Equipping supervisors with the knowledge to recognize potential abuse.
- Best Practices: Implementing preventative measures and creating a safe environment.
The initiative is co-financed by the European Union, demonstrating a commitment to tackling this issue at a broader level. Following Carcassonne, meetings are scheduled for Castelnaudary (September 30), Limoux (October 1), Narbonne (November 17), and Lézignan-Corbières (November 18).
Beyond the Headlines: A Growing Crisis & Long-Term Solutions
The scale of the problem extends beyond the Aude Department. At the end of 2022, a staggering 65 federations and 97 departments across France had already reported instances of abuse. This highlights the systemic nature of the issue and the need for a comprehensive, nationwide response. This isn’t simply about individual perpetrators; it’s about addressing power imbalances, fostering a culture of respect, and empowering athletes to speak out. The long-term goal is to create a sporting environment where every athlete feels safe, valued, and free to pursue their passion without fear of harm.
This series of meetings represents a vital step in that direction, and archyde.com will continue to follow this developing story, providing updates and insights into the ongoing efforts to protect athletes and promote a safer sporting future. Stay tuned for further coverage and expert analysis on safeguarding in sports.
Image: Meetings to fight against gender-based violence in sport and intended for managers, supervisors and sports committees. © DR
