who are we
Children should be free to participate in sport in a healthy, safe environment free of discrimination, abuse, or sexual violence!
We know from our South African experience and international research, that children’s sport is an occupation that attracts people who may abuse children. The abuse in sport dynamic is largely due to the access that coaches have to children often without other adult supervision.
Sport often involves physical contact with children that is not possible in any other teaching profession. This is the “socially sanctioned deviance in sport” where certain behaviours by coaches are accepted in this context, where it would not be in a broader social context.
the jasriel foundation athletes against child abuse (aaca) is a first in South Africa! A victim-centric organisation run by survivors for survivors!
We are proud to announce that we have been recognised internationally and are talking to several organisations, including FIFA based, in the USA and Europe regarding Safeguarding of our children in sport.
donate
banking details:
STANDARD BANK
Account holder: JASRIEL FOUNDATION NPC
ID/Reg Number: 2023/004084/08
Account type: CURRENT
Account number: 10200536093
Branch: PRETORIA
Branch code: 051001
SWIFT code: SBZA ZA JJ
services
in this complex, often seemingly unmanageable child protection system, the jasriel foundation aaca has access to a comprehensive basket of services through an existing infrastructure and a network of local and international collaborations in the following areas:
1. education and prevention:
- collaborate with existing organisations, develop and implement holistic and proactive safeguarding policies and best practice with sporting bodies.
- share lived experience, educate and implement through workshops for children, parents, officials, teachers and administrators.
- implementation of Safeguarding policies in particular vetting, police clearance and certification to registered sporting bodies.
- inform and empower victims of the procedures and resources available to them so they know they have a “safety net” that will listen and fight for their rights.
- facilitate registration, certification, education and police clearance of sport coaches and administrators.
2. victim support:
- lived experience.
- a safe, neutral support mechanism without reprisal or influence and a growing network of partners.
- a comprehensive practical guide to the process from “victim to survivor”.
- an extensive, existing network of professionals including, amongst others SAPS Sexual Offenses Units, NPA, Specialist Legal through Afriforum, psychologists and councillors.
- physical, psychological and emotional support pre and during all legal procedures and proceedings
3. advocacy:
- to be a voice of children’s rights and campaigning for justice for victims of child abuse in sport.
- raising awareness around current and historical abuse, and its long-term effects.
- actively campaigning in media to bring attention to inadequate systems and procedures around safeguarding of children in sport.
- lobbying for changes to laws specifically Section 110 of the Children’s Act to Coaches added.
- not letting cases “fall through the cracks”.
- ensure there is a clear distinction between criminal and other disciplinary cases in sporting bodies constitutions.
- hold sporting bodies “accountable” for the implementation of the Child Protection Policy.
something to ponder
A thought from our Founder, Olivia Jasriel -
“imagine if you are afraid to report, how terrified a child would be to report!”. The biggest fear a child has when reporting is that of not being believed. I would like to assure any children or adults who want to report any form of abuse, and I have been through the process of reporting personally, I completely respect the emotions that come with the reporting and I have the utmost respect and admiration for any person who reports a crime of abuse, harassment or sexual misconduct.
reporting
Children should be free to participate in sport in a healthy, safe environment free of discrimination, abuse, or sexual violence. It is the duty of all adults to ensure that our children are safe and protected from harm.
If you would like to report an incident of abuse or even suspected abuse, please be so kind and fill in the form below. Anonymous reporting makes our job very difficult but aaca undertakes to ensure that all of your personal details will be kept confidential and will be protected.
our team
Late Olivia Jasriel - Founding Member
Olivia played international tennis in her youth and is still actively involved in the sport. She is an international icon and trailblazer for historical abuse cases having successfully gained 2 rape and 1 indecent assault of minor’s convictions against disgraced tennis player Bob Hewitt in 2015. This led to other victims of historical abuse coming forward and ultimately the abolition of the 20-year statute of limitations in 2018. Olivia, with her team of attorneys from The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation successfully overturned one parole application and one parole before Bob Hewitt was granted parole 3 years and 6 months after he started serving his 6 year sentence.
She has worked tirelessly, in her personal capacity with wmaca and various other organisations over the past 13 years to bring sexual predators in the sporting fraternity to justice. She has extensive experience in the lodging of cases and court process of both current and historical abuse cases.
In 2021, Olivia was elected to serve SASCOC Safeguarding Policy and Education Working Group at South African Sport Confederation and Olympic Committee. In 2022 Olivia was voted in as a Board Member for SASCA (the South Africa Sports Coaching Association) Olivia’s story offers victims and survivors a first-hand account of courage, hope and inspiration and she is a fearless voice for change in the sports world where abuse is rife.
Olivia brings to the jasriel foundation lived experience, a unique set of skills, which includes extensive training on safeguarding of children and a vision to challenge and change the current system to ensure that children are safe to enjoy sport in an environment free of abuse.
Mac Cass (Board Member)
Meet Mac, the resilient Operations Manager and Director at the Jasriel Foundation, where his journey from the pitch to advocacy embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity. Born in 1993, Mac's early years were marked by his passion for sports, excelling notably in provincial baseball and as a promising goalkeeper for Mamelodi Sundowns Development Soccer. However, fate dealt him a harsh blow when a severe concussion during a rugby match in 2008 forced him to retire from both soccer and baseball. Undeterred, Mac redirected his determination towards a new goal – championing the rights of abused children in sport.
Educated at Jeppe High School for Boys on a soccer scholarship, Mac's sporting progess was evident early on. Despite the setback of injury, his resilience shone through as he embarked on a journey of self-healing and advocacy. Now, as the Operations Manager and Director at the Jasriel Foundation, Mac brings his unique perspective and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes.
In addition to his role at the Jasriel Foundation, Mac is also a trained private security personnel and bodyguard, providing protection services to individuals and organizations. Furthermore, he is a certified life coach, empowering victims of abuse to navigate their journey towards healing and justice.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mac finds solace and strength in activities like boxing, padel, and gym workouts, embodying a holistic approach to both his personal and professional life. With a story of triumph over adversity, Mac stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspiring others to rise above challenges and make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Shaylene Rees-Davies (Board Member)
Sexuality Therapist
Shay Rees-Davies is a practitioner within the autonomous field of Sexology, the scientific study of human sexuality. Her background in Sexology reflects a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the multi-dimensional nature of human sexuality, shaped by a complex intertwining of factors including upbringing, religious influences, cultural norms, legal frameworks, societal expectations, personal experiences, and our unique genetic makeup.
This holistic perspective fuels Shay's passion for empowering individuals to navigate their trauma with knowledge, confidence, and self-awareness. Her studies encompass diverse areas such as childhood development, endocrinology, ethics and legal considerations, pathologies, and sexual dysfunctions.
Shay holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sexology and is currently pursuing a Master's degree. Her passion for the field extends to forensic sexology, and she anticipates focusing her Ph.D. thesis on the evolution of sexual deviancy.
Guided by the belief that freedom lies in truth, Shay is dedicated to supporting survivors and their families throughout the process of recovery from child abuse.
The World Health Organization defines sexuality as follows:
"Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a)
You can find more information here: https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research/key-areas-of-work/sexual-health/defining-sexual-health
Dan Weclaw - Founder of I Awake Foundation (Partner) (Board Member)
Wayne van Onselen (Executive Director of Unchain Our Children)
Wayne van Onselen: 072 364 8246
Unchain Our Children National Crisis Centre: 067 323 7116
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UnchainOurChildren
Ashleigh Smit: Governance & Administrative Powerhouse
A budding Chartered Secretary, Ashleigh is currently pursuing her Chartered Secretary Degree through the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa (CGISA). Now in her 4th year, Ashleigh's academic pursuits have equipped her with a solid foundation in governance practices.
With 5 years of experience in the field, Ashleigh has honed her skills working at Mazars Plettenberg Bay, which has since become Ferreira and Partners Inc Chartered Accountants. Her expertise has been a valuable asset to our Foundation, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of governance.
We're grateful to have Ashleigh on our team, bringing her expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Jasriel Foundation. Her commitment to governance excellence and administrative efficiency has been instrumental in our Foundation's growth and success.
contact us
If You Need Help Or Know Of Someone Who Needs Help
news & media
important announcement
We are thrilled to announce a powerful collaboration with The Jasriel Foundation!
In partnership with The Jasriel Foundation, we have a dedicated trauma counselor on board to provide essential support to victims.
Our committed counselor, in collaboration with The Jasriel Foundation, offers confidential and empathetic support to help individuals navigate their journey towards healing.
Best of all, we are extending FREE counseling sessions to our clients, as part of our joint commitment to mental well-being and the recovery from trauma.
For inquiries, please contact Olivia Jasriel on 060 995 9562 or at olivia@thejasrielfoundation.org. Remember, with The Jasriel Foundation you are not alone. Support is just a call away.
#TogetherWeHeal #MentalHealthMatters #SupportForAll #TheJasrielFoundation
9 June 2023
Huisegenoot Lewewaarenstories, Season 3 Episode 2
The reality is stark and shocking: millions of children worldwide are subjected to unspeakable acts of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Every day, they are robbed of their childhood, their innocence, and their fundamental rights.
But at the Jasriel Foundation, we refuse to accept this as the status quo. We believe that every child has the right to a safe, nurturing, and loving environment in which they can thrive and fulfill their potential. That's why we have partnered with Unchain Our Children and SAVETHEM, two organizations that share our unwavering commitment to ending the scourge of child abuse and trafficking.
Together, we are determined to take the fight to the perpetrators of these heinous crimes, to bring them to justice, and to provide care and support to the victims of their atrocities. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, and we will not rest until every child is safe from harm.
Our passion for this cause is not merely a fleeting impulse or a passing fancy. It is a burning flame that drives us forward, day in and day out, to do everything in our power to protect and empower children. We believe that this is not just a moral imperative, but a duty that we owe to the future generations of our world.
Join us in our mission to create a world where every child can grow up free from fear, abuse, and exploitation. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child is able to live their life to the fullest.
Olivia Jasriel has been invited to participate in a series of planning meetings and workshops to be held in London between 30th May and 2nd June 2023. The meetings are organised by the Council of Europe and will take place in a meeting space in Westminster. This meeting comprises of a hearing on safe sport with parliamentarians from 46 member states and will be hosted by the UK parliament. This is a unique opportunity to draw attention to what's going on in sport, showcase survivors' advocacy and move to action. Most attendees are people with extensive experience in safeguarding and researchers on related coming from at least 10 sports and most regions in the world. Suellen Sheehan is a survivor from abuse and her attendance is crucial in shedding light on her experience with other peers.
Olivia Jasriel, the founding member of the Jasriel Foundation, is the only person in South Africa who is currently working on abuse in sport. Children should be free to participate in sport in a healthy, safe environment free of discrimination, abuse, or sexual violence!
It is a proud moment for the Jasriel Foundation to be granted an opportunity to put our country on the map in terms of the challenges we face daily when it comes to abuse in sport.
A Recording will be put up if you would like to follow the meeting from the 1 June 2023.