NPFL – AFLS Tackling Violence out of the Pilbara Partnership Celebrates Five Year Partnership
The Aboriginal Family Law Services (WA) (AFLS) is pleased to announce that we are continuing the partnership with the North Pilbara Football League (NPFL) in taking a preventative approach to the issues of family violence and sexual abuse, currently taking a devastating toll on children and families in local communities across WA.
Sport is a critical channel for raising awareness of the importance of respectful relationships throughout codes, clubs, members and fans. Millions of men, women, boys and girls play sport at some point in their lives, and it is important that the prevention of men’s violence against women is incorporated into training, games, events and broadcasting to reach further into the community and highlight a zero tolerance approach.
“The football community in the Pilbara is very large,” said Stephanie. “Aussie Rules attracts a diverse audience, from all walks of life, even though men play the sport their families are very involved. Football is a great opportunity to get any anti-violence message to a broader range of people and what better then football.”
Family violence is an overwhelming problem with Aboriginal women 35 times more likely than non-Aboriginal to be hospitalised as a result, and 10 times more likely to be killed.
Estimates suggest 70-90% of Aboriginal children in out of home care are removed from their family due to family violence. In 2014, the number of Aboriginal children in out of home care in WA surpassed 50%, despite making up only 5% of the population aged 0-17 years.
“By creating this program it provides education to all levels of the community to take responsibility and say no to family violence,” said Ms Brahim. “I hope it will reduce the amount of family violence in our community. I also hope the North Pilbara football players, officials and supporters will take a lead role in helping to deliver the message against family violence in our region.”
The program will be delivered throughout the 2019 season with a strong anti-violence message “Violence is Not Our Game” displayed throughout the local Pilbara football clubs and the communities.
The AFLS provides culturally safe legal assistance to Aboriginal victim-survivors of family violence, in areas including violence restraining orders, criminal injuries compensation, child protection and family law. Services are delivered in regional WA in Broome, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Kununurra, Port Hedland and Carnarvon. From these centres, legal and non-legal staff provide outreach services to people in remote communities.
If you require legal assistance with family violence and you live in one of these areas, call 1800 459 246.
Media contact: Corina Martin
(08) 9355 1502
Last Modified on 18/04/2019 10:23