By REBECCA BILLS
MOUNT Evelyn Junior Football Club is taking a stand and saying ‘no’ to violence against women.
With a focus on equality and respect going hand-in-hand, the club is taking part in the You&I initiative to ensure that the club’s younger generation respects women in all areas of life.
You&I is a collaborative campaign between Yarra Valley Community Health and Inspiro, and supported by Yarra Ranges Council and AFL Country Victoria to promote equal and respectful relationships between men and women.
Mount Evelyn Junior Football Club president Andy Gibbons said after committee members attended the You&I seminar last year they thought it would be an excellent program to include their under 13, 14 and 16 members in.
“I think at a footy club, being realistic, they are dominated by males and even though we are pushing for as many girls as we can, that’s just the way it is,” he said.
“If we can ensure all members respect women who are at a footy club and steer away from comments like “what would she know, she’s just a woman” would be a really positive thing.
“We are hoping that if we can get it across to the boys to respect and appreciate women, even if it’s just one attitude we have changed, it would be successful.”
Mr Gibbons said although some rather hard hitting facts and figures will be talked about, it will be done in a way that is appropriate to each age group.
Inspiro Population Health Team leader Narelle Algie said early intervention with young people was important to prevent a society full of violence.
“Statistically in the outer region, Yarra Ranges has the third highest reported incidents of domestic violence and that is really quite concerning,” she said.
“That could be for a number of reasons, one being that people now feel comfortable to report the violence to police or two there has actually been an increase in violence.”
Eastern Health promotion co-ordinator Julia Blackburn said football clubs were in a key position within the community to role model respectful behaviour and ensure they were family friendly and inclusive.
“By volunteering to participate in this program, Mount Evelyn Junior Football Club is showing that they want to be key players in the community to promote equality between men and women,” she said.
Ms Blackburn also said the program also promoted respect among players, parents and spectators.
For more information about the program, visit www.youandirespect.com.au.
