HOLLYWOOD, Fla., July 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Senator
Lauren Book and the
Lauren's Kids Foundation launched a
petition demanding the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) adopt strict policies that prevent convicted pedophiles
from participating in the Olympic Games. The IOC's decision to
allow convicted child rapist Steven van de
Velde to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games is a
betrayal of the trust placed in the IOC by athletes, spectators,
and the global community. Senator Book is demanding the IOC take
immediate corrective action with the adoption of new rules.
Advocates are calling on the International
Olympic Committee to prevent convicted pedophiles from
competing.
"As a society, we must send a clear and unequivocal message that
child sexual abuse is intolerable and will be met with the utmost
consequences," says Senator Book, Lauren's Kids Founder/CEO.
"This means holding abusers accountable and ensuring they do not
have the opportunity to regain positions of influence and trust,
particularly in high-profile events like the Olympics. The IOC, as
a leading international organization, has a moral obligation to
uphold these standards and set an example for others to follow. The
world is watching."
The case of van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player who
was sentenced to four years in prison in England in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl
when he was 19, is a terrible reminder of the need for stringent
measures to protect our children. His competition in the Olympic
Games undermines the values of the Olympics, compromises the safety
and well-being of children, and sends a strong message to millions
of survivors of child sexual abuse worldwide that an abuser's
athletic excellence can overshadow and excuse their horrific
crimes.
Senator Book, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has
successfully influenced policy change on the state, national, and
global stages as a Florida Senator
and internationally recognized child advocate, is calling on the
IOC to enact immediate changes to bylaws prohibiting convicted
rapists from competing in the games.
"The IOC must demonstrate a commitment to protecting the most
vulnerable members of our society by immediately adopting new rules
ensuring those with a history of sexual abuse have no place in the
Olympic Games," says Senator Book.
Having advised the Dutch National Rapporteur on suggested
changes to the Netherlands'
national guidelines for child safety, Senator Book remains
concerned by the country's lax laws, beliefs, and cultural mores
surrounding child sexual abuse and those who commit this heinous
crime. The country has no sexual abuse registry, punishment for
abusers is light, and due to a lack of understanding of the
compulsory, hardwired nature of pedophilia – a mental condition
which cannot be cured, only managed – individuals found guilty of
child sexual abuse were, at the time of Senator Book's visit in
2014, in some cases allowed to volunteer at schools or parks where
children gather to offer repentance for their crimes.
"The safety and trust of our children and communities must take
precedence over individual redemption – and when it comes to the
Olympic Games, it is irresponsible and offensive for the IOC to
stand idly by," Senator Book continues.
Child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic happening in every
single community across the United
States and the world, and continues to be one of the most
under-reported victim crimes. One in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will
be victimized before their 18th birthday – and 1 in 5 children who
touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online. It is up
to individuals and organizations around the world to support
victims and survivors, and to hold predators accountable. When a
convicted pedophile is allowed to compete, it undermines the
integrity of the Games and suggests that athletic excellence can
outweigh moral conduct.
This is not the first time the Olympics have been marred by
child sexual abuse. Despite being told about team doctor
Larry Nassar's sexual abuse of young
Olympic gymnasts, USA Gymnastics
and the United States Olympic Committee turned a blind eye and
continued to allow child athletes – including beloved and
well-decorated Olympic champion Simone
Biles – to be victimized by a sexual predator.
To learn more and sign the petition demanding the IOC change its
rules to prevent convicted rapists from competing in the Olympic
Games, visit LaurensKids.org.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/laurens-kids-launches-petition-demanding-ioc-rule-change-to-ban-child-sexual-abusers-from-competing-in-olympics-302210265.html
SOURCE Lauren’s Kids Foundation