Last Friday, the public meeting dedicated to the prevention of gender-based and sexual violence in sport marked the culmination of a week of actions carried out in the area by the Territorial Olympic and Sports Committee of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin (CTOS SBSM), the Saint Martin Football League and association Colossus with feet of clay.
Prevention is better than cure.
From the outset, Aristide Conner, president of the Football League, recalled the fundamental issue of this mobilization“We are gathered here to discuss the protection of our young people. There can be neither silence nor ambiguity,” he declared, emphasizing that the collaboration with Colosse aux pieds d’argile (Clay-Footed Colossus) transcends the institutional framework to become “a true force for action in the service of ethics and humanity.” For him, sports fields must be “places of learning and safety,” where every registered player can develop with confidence: Sport no longer looks away, it acts and it protects ».
A mobilization led by the CTOS SBSM
The new president of the CTOS SBSM, Virginie Carien, placed this meeting within a broader context. “This meeting concludes a week of activities carried out with the Football League and numerous partners,” she noted, citing the local authority, the DRAJES (Regional Directorate for Youth, Sports and Social Cohesion), and the Ministry of National Education. The objective is clear: to intervene as closely as possible to clubs, leagues and committees, but also in schoolsFrom middle school to high school. “We need to realize that this violence exists, sometimes where we least expect it.”
Inform, train, equip
Led by Charline Tyré and Axel Ribera, project managers for the Colosse aux pieds d’argile association, the public meeting allowed to address frankly the realities of sexual violence against minorsPresentation of the Colossi Code of Conductdefinition of consent, identification of sexual offenses, mechanisms of control and shock: the discussions were both educational and practical.
The speakers reminded everyone that In 94% of cases, children who are victims of sexual violence know their abuser., thus challenging the image of external danger. They also emphasized the warning signs, which vary according to age (sudden changes in behavior, withdrawal, unusual aggression, sleep or eating disorders), and the importance of knowing how to listen to a child without doubting or minimizing their words. “If a child confides in you, it’s because they trust you; you mustn’t betray that trust,” added Oliver Canale Fatou, president of France Victims 978.
A legal and moral duty to act
Several questions focused on the obligations of supervisors and adultsHow do you greet a child? How do you correct a technical skill? Is it okay to share photos on social media? These are just some of the everyday situations in sports that require clear rules. The speakers reminded us the legal obligation to report cases of sexual violence against minors, as well as existing devices, of the 119 ou 3018 (school bullying) to the judicial report to the public prosecutor’s office or via France Victimes 978, through the system Signal-Sports which must be displayed within sports facilities. Key points to remember: “If you have any doubt about whether to report it, then you should definitely report it.”.
An encouraging outcome, an action to be sustained
At the end of this week, CTOS SBSM says it is “very satisfied” with the actions taken. More than 300 students were made aware of the issue. In middle and high schools, several certification programs have brought together paid and volunteer educators, and a sixty or so staff members from the National Education system have been trained. While regret is expressed at not being able to intervene in primary or vocational high schools, the objective is already set: to go further in a future edition.
For the CTOS SBSM, this mobilization marks a turning point. “Sport is often a place of confidences. It’s up to us to ensure it remains a safe and protective space,” the team emphasizes, convinced that prevention must be a long-term commitment. While citizen participation in the public meeting remained limited despite the issue’s importance to society as a whole, The debate was deemed “rich, informative and of high quality”..
Protect today to build tomorrow
Through this week of actions, CTOS SBSM, the Football League and their partners intend to send a clear message: The fight against sexual violence is everyone’s businessBy equipping coaches and supervisors, raising awareness among young people, and encouraging open dialogue, sport affirms its educational and protective role, contributing to a safer and more responsible community.
Colossus with feet of clay – what is it?
Created in 2013, the association Colossus with feet of clay It was born from the personal story of Sébastien Boueilh, a former rugby player, victim of rape between the ages of 12 and 16 by a member of her familyDuring a surprise 30th birthday party, Sébastien discovers that his childhood friend and another classmate were victims of the same unsuspecting butcher, who was perfectly integrated into the community. After 18 years of silence, 4 years of legal proceedings, and following the trial that sentenced her attacker to 10 years in prison.Sébastien decided to found this association to fight against sexual violence, hazing, and harassment. Despite being 90 meters tall, weighing over 100 kg, and possessing a colossal physique, Sébastien built his life on feet of clay, ultimately taking control of his own story in order to help as many people as possible.
https://colosse.fr
Source: Faxinfo https://faxinfo.fr/en/societe-le-sport-protege-une-reunion-publique-pour-liberer-la-parole/
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