A new and deeply personal statement has added further weight to the ongoing case surrounding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Melqui Galvão, as athlete Lívia Barasine (Brown belt BJJ, 2x World Cup champion) publicly shared her account, alleging she was the victim of sexual abuse.

Her statement, released across social media, is not framed as a clarification or response, but as what she describes as “my account as a victim.” It offers a detailed and emotional narrative of trust, manipulation, and the difficult path toward reporting the alleged crime.

Full Statement (Translated from Portuguese)

“The pain of speaking, the courage to denounce.

Today I am here to talk about something that everyone already imagines what it is.

This is not a statement for clarification.
This is my account as a victim.

I was the victim of a sexual crime committed by someone I admired.

I saw this person as a leader, as an example to follow.

He had my trust, the trust of my parents, and also the trust of the parents of other girls who, like me, were also victims.”**

**“I am still trying to understand everything that happened and what is still happening.

For me, it is very difficult to talk about this. Remembering it causes pain.

It wasn’t only my body that was violated, but also my mental health.

In recent months, I have lived through very difficult moments.

I suffered psychological torture, pressure, and coercion.

Not only from my abuser, but also from people around him who tried to silence me.

Just like other victims who went through the same situation.”**

**“I was only able to report it because I had my parents by my side.

And because God placed people in my path who kept me standing when I had no strength or hope left.

Like every abuser, he tried to silence me.

He also tried to silence my family.

He threatened my dreams, my career, and said I would have no more opportunities in the sport.

He tried to shift the blame, making me believe it was my fault, and tried to force me to give up pursuing this.”**

**“I never wanted any of this to happen.

I never wanted to harm any colleague.

But I also never wanted to go through this.

Today I understand that this guilt is not mine.

What gave me strength was knowing I was not alone.

Knowing that he had done this before, and even worse things, to other girls who were also threatened.

What made me move forward was understanding that my report could prevent others from going through the same in the future.

Before anyone questions it: this happened in February, and the report has already been under investigation.”**

**“At this moment, I just ask that we are not judged.

Not me, and not the other girls.

We are victims.

Reporting someone like this requires strength I would not have alone.

He always made it clear that he had connections with police authorities as a way to intimidate.

But I trust the police and know they will not tolerate this.

I thank the 8th Women’s Police Station of São Paulo for supporting me and continuing to work for justice.”**

**“I am grateful to everyone who supported me.

I just want to rebuild myself and continue fighting for my dreams.

To my training partners: you are not alone.

And to you who were also a victim: do not stay silent.

You are not to blame.

Report it.”**

— Lívia Barasine

Expanding Case Against Melqui Galvão

Barasine’s statement comes as authorities in Brazil continue investigating allegations against Melqui Galvão, a prominent coach in the global BJJ scene.

According to multiple reports, the case now involves more than one alleged victim, with at least three individuals identified by investigators. Among them are reportedly minors, including a 12-year-old, which significantly increases the seriousness of the allegations.

Authorities have already taken key steps in the investigation:

• A temporary arrest warrant was issued
• Galvão reportedly turned himself in
• Police seized electronic devices as part of evidence collection

In addition, reports indicate the existence of messages and audio recordings, which are being examined as part of the case.

Allegations of Pressure and Intimidation

One of the most striking elements of Barasine’s statement is her description of psychological pressure and attempts to silence her.

She alleges:

• coercion and intimidation
• threats toward her career and future in the sport
• efforts to shift blame onto her
• pressure coming not only from the accused, but also from people around him

These claims appear to align with broader reports tied to the investigation, which also mention alleged attempts to resolve situations privately and discourage formal complaints.

Institutional Response

The case has already led to significant consequences within the sport.

Major governing bodies, including the IBJJF, have reportedly taken action, issuing a ban against Galvão while the investigation is ongoing.

This reflects the growing pressure within the BJJ community to address issues of athlete safety, particularly involving coach–student power dynamics.

A Case That Continues to Develop

At this stage, it is important to emphasize that these are allegations under active investigation, and no final court ruling has been issued.

However, the situation continues to evolve rapidly, with:

• additional testimonies emerging
• evidence under review
• increasing public attention from the global grappling community

Barasine’s decision to speak publicly may prove to be a turning point, as more individuals feel empowered to come forward.

A Message Beyond the Case

Beyond the legal process, her statement ends with a message that resonates far beyond this specific situation:

“You are not to blame. Report it.”

As the case unfolds, the focus now shifts to the investigation — and to whether more voices will continue to emerge.

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