Formentera welcomes first crop of clinics tackling sexual violence in sport

cartell 2020 curs prevencioThe Formentera Department of Sport reports that yesterday marked the start of a five-day course designed to help participants prevent sexual violence in sport. Organised by Espai Dones in association with the Consell de Formentera, the series of day-long clinics for trainers, sport clubs and sport professionals will take place at Centre d’Esports Nàutics and blend textbook and hands-on learning.

Sports chief Paula Ferrer was in charge of presiding over the course’s kick-off. “In the quest to eradicate criminal acts like sexual violence, equality training and education —even in the world of sports— are crucial”, said the consellera.

“We’ve come a long way in recent years, female athletes are more visible and relevant than ever before, but it’s not enough; we’ve got a long way to go. It’s critical we continue developing equitable policies that protect those of us who are still enduring sexual violence everywhere. Sexual violence still happens in sports”, she said.

“I’m thrilled to see Formentera hosting this course”, said Espai Dones chair Dolores Fernández Tamargo. “It’s going to help participants get up to speed on best practises and protocol to prevent sexual violence in sports.”

Five days of training
Yesterday’s inaugural session was tuned to helping students come to grips with the concept of sexual violence in sport. Today participants will learn about legal aspects of the issue and related legislation. Wednesday’s class will include information about ongoing strategies to tackle sexual violence in sport, and Thursday will see participants taking part in an equality workshop. The week of training will conclude Friday with a lesson on best practices and a round-table discussion. The event will feature Marta Lliteras, who will speak to attendees about Binomi, a sports company; Oti Camacho, with insight about taking the leap and captaining a sports club; Bàrbara Marchal, a specialist in Nordic walking and year-round sports, and Pilar Calvo, who will talk about the importance of active community groups.

Part of the local activities programme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the course also received organisational support from Women in Professional Sport (AMDP) — a group founded in 2016 to fight for the rights of women in sport. AMDP’s Balearic chapter launched this July.

Saluting AMPD’s efforts to build awareness in the world of sport, and bemoaning the fact that the pandemic had prevented this year’s course from being open to the public, Councillor Ferrer pledged the Formentera Department of Sport’s continued support “for initiatives like these in the struggle for equality”.

3 November 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera