THE WRFL has this year joined forces with the Western Bulldogs and White Ribbon to help raise awareness of the impact domestic violence has in the community, in particular across Melbourne’s west.
Over the next six weeks, the WRFL will share information about the work White Ribbon does in the community as well as educate the league’s players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters about what you can do to address this serious issue facing many people across the country.
The league’s awareness campaign and call to action initiative will be launched in a special dedicated WRFL White Ribbon Round on July 16 and continue for the next two weeks with articles and items of interest regarding White Ribbon’s activities.
The Western Bulldogs kicks off their component of the campaign with Saturday night’s match against Geelong highlighting the devastating impact of men’s violence against women, and call for change to this serious societal issue.
Western Bulldogs Chief Executive Officer, David Stevenson said the Club intended to use its voice to educate men that violence against women should not and cannot be tolerated, and called for the community to amplify this stance.
“On average, 52 women are killed per year in Australia, as a result of intimate partner violence and last year alone there were 9,000 reported incidents of violence against women in Melbourne’s West.”
“Those statistics are both alarming and disturbing and we feel compelled and driven to send the message that men’s violence against women is simply not acceptable.
“As a Club we take the oath by promising never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women, and we encourage our fans and the broader football community to do the same.”
The Western Bulldogs have worked closely with the AFL, White Ribbon, Channel 7, Geelong Cats and match day partner Myer as well as the WRFL to create a campaign to highlight White Ribbon’s respected work in the community and encourage men to #StandUp #SpeakOut against domestic violence towards women and children.
On Saturday night, the Western Bulldogs guernsey will feature the anti-violence campaign’s signature White Ribbon along with a special designed match day ball — which will be signed by the coach and captain of the Bulldogs and auctioned off post-game with profits going to White Ribbon.
The match day White Ribbon themed guernseys will also be auctioned off following the return match against Geelong on Friday the 29th of July and coincides with national White Ribbon night — which encourages families to enjoy a night in and to raise important funds for White Ribbon.
For more information go to www.whiteribbon.org.au
Last Modified on 17/06/2016 14:36