Government funds sporting codes to help prevent domestic violence

Four national sporting organisations have been awarded Commonwealth grants to help fund violence against women prevention activities, Minister for Social Services, the Hon. Scott Morrison, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, the Hon. Michaelia Cash announced today.

As part of our commitment to reduce violence against women and their children, the Coalition Government is investing $1 million in the Sports Grants Bank to assist national sporting codes to embed gender equality and respectful relationships into their networks and communities.

Grants have been awarded to the Australian Football League, the National Rugby League, the Australian Rugby Union, and Netball Australia.

“Sport plays a critical role in our community and as such sporting organisations have the opportunity to make a positive difference in preventing domestic and family violence,” Minister Morrison said.

“This funding will increase the capacity of these organisations to influence public attitudes on gender equality, which we know is one of the underlying causes of violence against women.

“I thank Tom Scully (AFL), Caitlin Thwaites (Netball), and Aiden Tolman (NRL) for representing their sporting team mates today, and acknowledge the ARU’s commitment during their World Cup preparations.

Grants to successful partners are being provided for a three year period. Codes are expected to provide a substantial financial and/or in kind contribution to ensure the success of the initiative.

The Sports Grants Bank is managed by Our Watch, the foundation created to drive nationwide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children.

Minister Cash said the whole community – government, business, community groups and civil society – has a part to play in addressing the national tragedy of domestic violence.

“Sport teaches us how to work together to achieve a common goal and the Australian community needs to work as a team to address this national issue,” Minister Cash said.

“We believe the projects these sporting organisations undertake will be an important part of our efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate violence against women.

“Further, we want to encourage greater female participation in sport and celebrate the important role that women play.”

For further information, please visit ourwatch.org.au

Ministers Morrison and Minister Cash made this announcement during their visit to the Rape and Domestic Violence Services Australia premises which provide counselling services for 1800RESPECT.

“The Coalition Government is providing 1800RESPECT with $370,000 to enhance their website and expand their range of online resources, including those that address the issue of technology-facilitated abuse,” Minister Cash said.

“This is to ensure that women experiencing violence can access support and information when they need it most. Reducing violence against women is a priority for this Government, which is why we provided an extra $4 million to 1800RESPECT in May to ensure it provides support to women in need.”

1800RESPECT is a confidential and interactive online and professional telephone counselling, information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service assists those who have experienced or are at risk of sexual assault or family and domestic violence.

Victims of domestic and family violence and / or sexual assault, as well as their family and friends can contact 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au