Vera Pauw: Republic of Ireland boss reveals rape and assault in Dutch football

There are some descriptions of sexual assault contained in this story.

The manager of the Republic of Ireland says she was raped by three men.

He played for the Netherlands and managed them for six years before becoming the Irish boss.

She said she kept a secret for 35 years from her family, her team-mates, her colleagues and herself.

She says she was raped by a football official when she was a young player.

She said that all three were employed in Dutch football.

The Dutch FA admitted that it had made mistakes and that it had launched an independent investigation in the past.

Errors in the report should not have happened to her. Vera was entitled to a safe working environment at the time.

Pauw was exposed to a lot of abuse in her time as a player and manager.

I have kept the abuse a secret for 35 years. She said that she had allowed the memory of it to control her life and fill her with daily pain.

I am seen as a tough woman who has risen to the top in a man's world. There is nothing further from the truth.

She reported the offenses to the Dutch police after failing to get a response from the Dutch FA.

The Dutch FA said that they were shocked by what Vera Pauw had told them.

A number of issues should have been handled differently.

Errors and harmful comments from Dutch FA employees were found to have been a factor in Pauw being subject to them.

In a further conversation about Pauw's experiences, she asked them not to do anything.

Pauw said that going to the police felt like the beginning of the end for him, but he knows there will be more pain to come. She said that claims may be made against her in an attempt to tarnish her story.

She hopes other people who have had similar experiences will come forward and tell their stories.

The Football Association of Ireland was thanked in her statement for its support.

She said that she felt safe and supported in Ireland.

I don't have to be hiding anymore. I hope I can live happily ever after.

On a personal and professional level, the FAI has offered her all the support she needs.

The revelations will have an impact on Vera's well-being and have assured her of the continued support of the board and all her colleagues at the association.

Following the recommendations of the report, the Dutch FA will act.

• If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, there are details of organisations that offer advice and support at http://bbc.co.uk/actionline or you can call 0800 066 066. Lines are open 24 hours a day and calls are free.