A guide to help footy clubs combat gender-based violence has been launched by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF).
The framework titled "Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing Gender-Based Violence" was launched by the Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, the Hon. Vicki Ward, at Mission Whitten Oval this week.
Minister Ward opened the event by emphasising the critical role that sport plays in preventing gender-based violence, pointing out that “through Government partnering with our community organisations, sporting clubs, leagues and associations, we see strong results in creating respectful and safe cultures in our communities".
Gender-based violence predominantly impacts women, with around 39% of women in Victoria experiencing physical or sexual violence since the age of 15. Around 26% of women in Victoria have experienced partner violence from a partner they live with, including emotional, physical, sexual and economic abuse.
The guide was the result of a partnership between the WBCF, the Victorian Government, GenWest, Women’s Health Grampians and the WRFNL.
"Sport plays an incredibly important and powerful role in changing behaviours and attitudes," said Louise Perry, GM of the WBCF.
"Community sport is also an environment that attracts children and young people and if they are seeing respect and equality in action, then they too will promote it through their own behaviour and expectations off the field.
"The power of sport to bring about social change is huge and here at the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation we harness that power for good every day."
An existing WBCF program, Champions of the West, looks to harness the influence of coaches, players and administrative staff to help educate and support anyone involved with local footy with the aim of preventing violence before it occurs.
One of 12 community-based sporting projects across the state, the program has been supported with a $1.2 million funding boost from the Victorian Government.
Click here to read Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing Gender-Based Violence
