Funding for AFL campaign to reduce violence against women

The Australian Football League will receive more than $244,000 in Australian Government funding to mentor young players about healthy relationships and help stop violence against women.

The Minister for the Status of Women, Julie Collins, announced the funding under the Australian Government’s Community Action Grants during a visit to the North Melbourne Kangaroos today.

“The sporting community is an important partner in our goal to radically reduce the violence women experience in this country,” Ms Collins said.

“Sports organisations work within the community every day and many have creative ideas to drive real change.

“The Government has committed $3.75 million over three years to support communities in delivering projects that will prevent violence against women. I am happy to announce the AFL is one of 17 community organisations that will be funded over the three years.

“The AFL will work with young players between 16 and 25 at all levels of the game on building respectful relationships.

“The AFL has long been an advocate on this serious issue and has an innovative approach to addressing violence against women and to changing attitudes.”

The AFL will develop an educational DVD, train-the-trainer programs, tool-kits, a quality assurance framework for state and local clubs, as well as an online education tool on the AFL Community Club website.

“Changing community attitudes is a long-term challenge, but by working together we can challenge the behaviours that allow violence to occur,” Ms Collins said.

The Australian Government has committed more than $86 million to support the implementation the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022. The Plan brings together the efforts of governments across the nation to make a real and sustained reduction in the levels of violence against women. It is available from www.fahcsia.gov.au.