The upcoming Double Grand Final weekend will be a time of celebration for many, but with incidents of domestic violence increasing by 50% on LNR Grand Final Day and 26% on Grand Final Day AFL final in Queensland alone in 2019, Australia’s leading domestic violence services have joined forces to raise awareness of the support available as they prepare for another expected spike in domestic violence over the course of the weekend
No to Violence, White Ribbon Australia, 1800RESPECT, Our Watch and Respect Victoria have partnered with a range of high profile advocates to encourage all Australians to ‘play our part’ in reducing and preventing family and domestic violence in our communities
Other data from across Australia shows an increase in incidents of domestic violence police witnessed on AFL and NRL Grand Final weekends, according to data collected by Australian organizations crime statistics and the police in 2019
Jacqui Watt, Executive Director of No to Violence, said the events of the Grand Final were a day of excitement and celebration for many; it is a dangerous time for others with increased rates of incidents of domestic and family violence across Australia
« We are all together, we can have competitive rivalries between our teams, but we must all be on the same side against family and domestic violence and play our part in creating a secure future for all »
Play our Part points out that the number of people victims of domestic violence each year could fill the stands at Sydney Cricket Ground, Marvel Stadium (Melbourne), GABBA (Brisbane), Adelaide Oval, Optus Stadium (Perth ), Tio Stadium (Darwin), Manuka Stadium (Canberra) and Bellerive Stadium (Hobart) combined
« Each year, more than 300,000 people are victims of domestic violence and the devastating reality is that this number of people would struggle to fit in the empty seats of these stadiums, » says Ms Watt
« This is why it is important to make people aware of the supports available for people to turn to if they experience or use violence, wherever they are in Australia. If you are a victim of violence, you can call 1800RESPECT Or if you think you may be at risk for domestic violence, call the men’s referral service «
“Sport is such an integral part of Australian culture because people learn and reproduce certain attitudes, behaviors and social norms as spectators, supporters, players or employees,” says Brad Chilcott, Executive Director of White Ribbon Australia
« This is why it is so important that sport on and off the field continues to embrace zero tolerance for domestic and family violence and establish positive community standards of respect and ‘equality »
The organizations and advocates involved want to remind all Australians that everyone has a role to play in ending domestic violence
1800RESPECT General Manager Paul Moger said that no matter if your team loses, if you get frustrated, or if you end up drinking more, using violence is inexcusable
« Sport is embedded in the Australian way of life, it should bring communities together and not create an environment where people are at greater risk of being physically, emotionally or financially injured, » says M Moger
« We can all get a little excited watching the most anticipated soccer game of the year, but there is never an excuse for violence or abuse We know from research that the domestic and domestic violence is not caused by disappointment over losing your team, a few too many beers, or the stress of a tense game, ”says Patty Kinnersly, General Manager of Our Watch
« While these factors may exacerbate violence, it is motivated by gender inequality and the perpetrator’s need for power and control over his victim »
« There are things we can all do to play our part in reducing family violence It’s up to all of us – individuals, workplaces, all levels of government and organizations – to do something about it. disrespecting women and creating a future where we are all equal, respected and safe »
The ‘Playing Our Role’ campaign also aims to raise awareness of family and domestic violence prevention and early intervention support services in Australia as they work to change attitudes and practices. behaviors that lead to men’s violence against women
« The more people choose to ‘report’ when a friend, coworker or family member acts or talks disrespectfully about a woman, the less » normal « this behavior will be considered and will end up being. ‘stop completely,’ said Respect Tracey Gaudry, CEO of Victoria
AFL Grand Final, Australian Football League, Australia
World News – AU – Domestic violence services brace for expected peak as news research shows 50% increase in incidents
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
