AFL Western District affiliated leagues and associations will take part in a newly created White Ribbon Round to support a campaign aiming to cut the level of violent incidents. 

In Australia this year an average of two women have been killed each week by a current or former partner. Intimate partner violence is the top risk factor for death, disability and illness for Victorian women aged 15-44, and one in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

AFL Western District Region general manager Lachy Patterson said football and netball clubs were an integral part of local communities, so using them as a vehicle for building awareness was a great way of getting the message out.

“Violence against women is never a private matter,” Mr Patterson said. 

“We are holding the White Ribbon Round to help break the silence around violence, raise awareness of the issue and support work being undertaken to bring violence against women to an end. 

“We want people to know that violence against women is totally unacceptable — if you see something you should definitely say something. 

“People need to know that they can make a difference, bringing an end to men’s violence against women takes a whole-of-community approach.” 

Mr Patterson said the commitment from all leagues and grades in the region to the White Ribbon Round reflected how important the issue was. 

“We have only asked for a small effort of recognition from clubs, but all are on board,” he said. 

“This effort extends as far as our regional TAC Cup team, the North Ballarat Rebels, playing in Ararat this weekend, who will wear white armbands together with their opposition, the Sandringham Dragons.”

Leagues and associations participating in the White Ribbon Round include Hampden, Warrnambool and District, Mininera, South West District, Hamilton junior, Portland junior, Casterton/Coleraine junior, Warrnambool and District umpires, Western District umpires, South West District umpires and TAC Cup North Ballarat Rebels.

cquirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au