Sexual violence against minors in sport: a new law to better track predators ?

Former skater Sarah Abitbol is very involved in the fight against violence in sport and violence against women. MAXPPP – Frantz Bouton

Supported by Aude senator Sabastien Pla and former skater Sarah Abitbol, ​​the text, voted on February 29, plans to extend and annualize controls to track down sexual predators in sport . In France, certain associations estimate that at least one athlete in four has already been a victim of sexual violence.

The affair caused a real explosion within the ice sports federation, sending a shock wave throughout the entire sporting world. On January 30, 2020, former skater Sarah Abitbol accused coach Gilles Beyer of having raped and sexually abused her when she was a minor. Indicted, Gilles Beyer died in January 2023 at the age of 66 but this case marked a turning point in the fight against violence against minors in sport.

Also read: "I was raped at 15" : the terrible testimony of Sarah Abitbol who accuses her coach

Far from being confined during the covid years, speech has become free and sporting authorities have finally taken stock of the scourge. Under the leadership of former minister Roxana Maracineanu, a Signal-Sports ministerial platform was launched in 2020. It has already made it possible to process more than 1,250 files for acts of violence, 90% of which are of a nature sexual and resulted in 800 administrative investigations. A parliamentary study on the subject had recently confirmed the "failures" of numerous federations and "l’omerta on all floors".

Sébastien Pla: "Bringing this project was an Everest"

The law adopted on February 29 in the assembly will allow us to take a decisive step in this fight. A text carried by the socialist senator of Aude Sébastien Pla, proud to have completed this challenge: "It will be entered in the tables like the Pla law but it will be the Abitbol law for posterity. Having a personality like Sarah by my side to defend her was decisive. I am proud because it comes from Aude and we are not used to seeing men on these issues of protection of women and children. ;step up to the plate, especially when in opposition. Carrying out this project was an Everest at the start."

Also read: The frightening figures for reports of sexual violence in sport in France

The seriousness of the subject has created consensus within parliament. This law intended to better prevent sexual violence against minors in sports clubs highlights two strong measures. It makes annual background checks on sports educators via consultation of bulletin no. 2 of the criminal record as well as the automated judicial file of perpetrators of sexual or violent offenses (FIJAIS). It also extends it to the two million volunteer educators whereas it was focused on professionals.

Pressure on club presidents

In addition, club presidents will now have the obligation to report to the State services the risky behavior of educators or any person in contact with minors, under penalty of sanctions and prosecution.

Sarah Abitbol welcomed "political unanimity" in favor of the text and assured: "We're not going to give up to save the new generation".  Less than five months before the Paris Olympic Games (July 26-August 11), the measure takes a symbolic turn. The Colosse with Feet of Clay association, which fights against sexual violence, harassment and hazing in sporting and educational environments, speaks of a "major progress in the continuity of all the advocacies we have launched since 2018."

"Predatory strategies, moving from one federation to another" 

"The field surveys highlighted predator strategies, moving from a federation and a territory to the # 39;other,explains Simon Latournerie, General Director of the association. An experiment with extensive controls in Val de Loire on football showed that out of 3000 controls, 500 highlighted defects, including 60 people with offenses recorded on the records. some combined functions in several clubs while being registered with FIJAIS."

The reflection of a failing control system which will now put increased pressure on managers. "Until now the Penal Code already required the reporting of possible facts, specifies Simon Latournerie, but the prefect's sanction in the event of a breach was aimed at the club or structure. From now on, criminal responsibility shifts to the leader."

"Don't forget the attacks by minors against other minors…"

Another important step forward, the possibility now of extending beyond six months a possible suspension of an educator until a decision by the competent court, in order to # 39;avoid putting untried predators back into the circuit.

For the association, "It is also essential to carry out checks now with the FIJAIS because it keeps in mind the offenses committed by minors".

However, Simon Latournerie is aware that "all this will take time to put in place" and calls for wishes an independent observatory of sexual violence in sport to measure the evolution of the phenomenon and make recommendations because we must not forget that a number of sexual assaults also come from practicing minors towards other practicing minors. More than ever, we must free our speech."

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