As a survivor of sexual violence and mother to a survivor, I have read with horror the news that a man named Van de Velde who raped a 12 year old girl will be participating in the Olympic Games. As I understand on a deeply personal level the trauma that such an incident leaves behind. Active participation of known sexual offenders in events like the Olympic Games is not only a mockery to the victims of these criminals but also a severe compromise to the integrity of the event itself and an insult to all survivors of rape and girl and women who are aware of their vulnerability on a daily basis.

Imagine the kind of message it sends to the world - that a global platform that celebrates unity, equality, and sport values allows a perpetrator of sexual abuse to represent their country. It questions the moral ground of such an event and deeply hurts those who have suffered at the hands of these criminals, especially the girl who survived this specific offender's brutality.

According to a 2017 report by the World Health Organization, one in every three women across the globe experiences sexual violence in their lifetime, making it a pervasive issue that can't be ignored. By allowing a known sexual offender to participate, we indirectly encourage the culture of sexual violence, further exaggerating the issue.

Therefore, we call on the Olympic Committee to match their commitment to equality, respect, and fair play by introducing comprehensive regulations that will exclude known sexual offenders from participation in the Olympic Games. The time for change is now. Please sign this petition if you stand in support of survivors' rights and the integrity of the Olympic Games.