AFL looks to combat violence against women

THE AFL has again joined forces with the Victorian Police to combat violence against women as part of White Ribbon Day.

AFL CEO and White Ribbon Day ambassador Andrew Demetriou joined Victorian Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland, Victorian Police Minister Bob Cameron and the Victorian Minister for Women’s Affairs Maxine Morand at a breakfast held at the Victoria Police Academy at Glen Waverley on Wednesday.

AFL players including Collingwood’s Josh Fraser, Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt, Western Bulldogs’ Robert Murphy and Hawthorn’s Trent Croad also attended the breakfast.

Demetriou said the AFL’s position in the community and the standing of footballers as role models placed an onus on the football industry to take a leading role in tackling the issue of violence against women.

He said sexual assault charges laid against the Montmorency Football Club had shocked the AFL community but further highlighted the need for people at all levels of the game to understand the importance of treating women with respect at all times and in all situations.

“It’s hard work but it’s a conversation we must continually be having. We need to have the confidence to talk about it in public forums like this one,” Demetriou said.

“And we need to have the confidence to raise awareness and get the message through to other men.”

Commissioner Overland said the issue of violence against women can affect anyone, regardless of background or occupation.

He urged men to take the lead in speaking out among their colleagues and friends.

“The one thing we know about violence against women and children is it starts with men and their attitudes to women and children,” he said.

“Whether you’re a leading goalkicker, the coach, the boot studder - it doesn’t matter. It starts with you. It’s about the choices you make and it’s about what you’re prepared to put up with and what you’re prepared for your colleagues to put up with.”

The AFL has partnered with the Victorian Police to tackle violence against women since 2004.

The AFL's Respect and Responsibility program is now being extended from the elite level of the competition through to the elite junior level and local community club environment.