Sexist and sexual violence in sport: Insep recognizes an “information gap”

For several years, the world of French sport has faced numerous accusations of sexism and sexual violence. Several deputies thus launched a commission of inquiry into the dysfunctions of the various sports federations.

On September 5th the athletes Claire Palou AND Emma Oudiou were heard by several deputies. They had reported, in particular, acts of sexual harassment that had taken place at theInep. They denounced the almost systematic protection of the alleged attackers.

According to the director of Insep there is an “information deficit”

This Thursday, October 5th, Fabien Canù, director of the institution, was questioned at length by the commission about these revelations. He recognized ” an information deficit “, in particular for the great athletes of Insep and believes that “ we need more information », the reporting procedures remain clouded for many.

Regarding Claire Palou’s testimony, Fabien Canu, who spoke to her and her family, told deputies that she had activated Article 40 on acts of sexual harassment, which leads to referral to the courts. He assured that he did. Before » The sportswoman’s hearing in the Assembly.

However, he defended himself from” to protect » anyone with an eye on the Olympic Games. However, Claire Palou, who left Insep and interrupted her promising career as a middle-distance runner following the harassment she suffered, believes that the person she reported is ” very protected by its level “.

Numerous testimonies of sexist and sexual violence on “Balance ton sport”

Furthermore, from the testimonies collected by the commission and on the Balance ton sports platform launched in mid-September by the deputies responsible for the commission of inquiry, it emerges that there are numerous cases of alleged sexist and sexual violence at Insep.

Emma Oudiou, another athlete interviewed by the commission of inquiry into the dysfunctions of federations in sport, said she had suffered sexual harassment” by an athlete » to Insep between 2018 and 2020. He also reports sexual violence by a federal coach, against whom he filed a complaint. Complaint which was closed without further action. The young woman explains that she put an end to her career because ” violence was too present “.

“ Insep needs to do in-depth work. (…) The women decide to speak, but the Federation, Insep and the judiciary have difficulty making decisions. », she also explained to the commission, believing that sexist and sexual violence is systemic there.