Time to tackle scourge of abuse
MATILDAS legend Lisa De Vanna and a string of former Australian women’s soccer players have revealed a toxic culture within the sport that includes allegations of indecent assault, sexual harassment, bullying and grooming.
So bad was De Vanna’s experience as a teenager within the code that she alleges a teammate pulled her down from behind and dry-humped her, prompting the star striker to threaten violence.
The 36-year-old is speaking up now after a recent incident involving a current professional player within the Football Australia system – a player she said had suffered personally and professionally.
“There needs to be consequences,” De Vanna said.
“There needs to be accountability. I have seen cultural problems at all levels throughout the years – from men and women – and girls coming through need to be brave, and also the girls that have been through this also need to be brave and know they are not alone.
“Have I been sexually harassed? Yes. Have I been bullied? Yes. Ostracised? Yes. Have I seen things that have made me uncomfortable? Yes.”
The recently retired, 150cap veteran, took to social media at the weekend to respond to a tweet from US soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe, who was commenting on allegations of sexual harassment in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League).
Rapinoe had tweeted “Men protecting men, who are abusing Women.”
De Vanna tweeted back: “I agree @mpinoe but I have witnessed W my eyes.
– Women protecting women who abuse women.
– Players protecting senior players who abuse younger players.
– Organisations protecting “coaches/players” who abuse players.
Abuse is abuse. Poor behaviour is poor across all boards!”
De Vanna said there were many times she felt uncomfortable in her career. One was as a Young Matilda in 2001.
“I was pulled down from behind and dry-humped by a few of my teammates. I fought my way off the floor kicking and screaming. They thought it was funny,” she said.
Former Matilda Elissia Carnavas, formerly Canham, was a witness. She decided to speak because of concern for her eight-year-old daughter, who plays the sport she loves.
“I think about the pathways for my daughters and all our daughters in women’s sport,” she said. “Whatever sport our daughters play, we want them to be safe. And what happened to Lisa shouldn’t have happened. I witnessed everything Lisa has said.”
Former W-league star Rhali Dobson has also claimed she was a target of predatory behaviour.
Dobson, who played for teams including the Matildas over a 13-year career, said the pressure off the field outweighed the pressure on it.
“I know what it was like when I was younger, I didn’t want to even have a shower after the game,” she said.
“It was a case of grooming when I first came on the scene because I was asked: ‘Do I prefer boys or do you prefer girls?’ I said I liked boys … and being told: ‘We’ll change that.’ ”