As you watch the Olympic volleyball match between Norway and the Netherlands, you notice something unsettling. Despite the joy and excitement of the game, boos and jeers erupt when a particular member of the Dutch team, Steven van de Velde, walks onto the court.
You might initially think that van de Velde’s reputation was tarnished by using performance-enhancing drugs, as the World Anti-Doping Authority can strip athletes of medals or issue lifetime bans for such violations. However, the truth is much more disturbing: van de Velde is a convicted child rapist.
In 2016, van de Velde was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl when he was 19. Despite receiving a four-year prison sentence in England, he was released after just 13 months following a transfer to a Dutch prison. The judge’s words about van de Velde’s shattered dreams of representing his country seem forgotten as he returned to playing internationally in 2017.
While rehabilitation is an important aspect of the criminal justice system, the focus often shifts to the perpetrator’s right to redemption rather than the survivor’s trauma. Van de Velde has expressed remorse for his actions, calling them the biggest mistake of his life. However, his repeated admissions of guilt raise questions about the sincerity of his remorse.
The Dutch Olympic Committee believes that van de Velde has been fully rehabilitated and poses no risk. Measures have been taken to protect him during the Olympics, including alternative accommodation and restrictions on media contact. This level of care for a convicted child rapist raises concerns about the prioritization of perpetrator rights over survivor well-being.
The public platform afforded to high-profile individuals, such as Olympians, carries a social responsibility to uphold values of excellence, respect, and friendship. Allowing individuals with a history of abuse or assault to occupy this platform sends a dangerous message to survivors and perpetuates a culture of victim-blaming and rape apology.
The media’s role in shaping public perception of these cases is crucial. Platforming voices that minimize or excuse the actions of abusers normalizes harmful attitudes towards survivors. It is essential to challenge these narratives and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Ultimately, the question remains: is a gold medal worth the trauma of seeing a rapist celebrated as a role model? The impact of allowing abusers to return to the public eye without true accountability extends far beyond the individual cases. It sends a message to survivors that their voices and experiences are secondary to the success and reputation of the perpetrator.
As we celebrate the achievements of Olympians, let us not forget the responsibility that comes with public recognition. Upholding values of integrity and accountability in all aspects of society, including sports, is essential to fostering a culture of respect and safety for all.
