24 June 2023
The peak body for organisations and individuals working with men to end their use of family violence has called on sporting administrators to take a stand and condemn violent behaviour against women.
In the wake of criticism of the AFL and the North Melbourne and Perth football clubs for their ‘callous and inept’ response to revelations of sexual assault by high profile former footballer and coach Barry Cable, No to Violence Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Watt said it was time for the AFL and clubs to treat violence against women seriously.
“It’s time for them to step in and step up when predatory behaviour from men in football is reported,” said Ms Watt. “Rightly so, football administrators and players across the board are putting out statements and running programs in support of men in football who are facing mental health and other challenges and even standing up against climate change.”
“But when it comes to violence against women, including sexual violence, they are missing a gilt-edged opportunity to plant a flag and use their unique standing to positively influence behaviours and attitudes in our community.”
“In remaining silent in the face of these revelations about Barry Cable the AFL and clubs have failed in their moral duty. Predators like Cable are living among us. They are not skulking around parks in the dark. They are in our communities and sadly, sometimes they are in our families.”
“The way players, coaches and administrators behave and respond to violence against women has a huge impact in the broader community. These things are all connected: when influential individuals and organisations minimise violent, abusive and controlling behaviour they give men and boys everywhere a licence to minimise these behaviours, including family violence.”
“Boys do not have to grow into violent men. Violence is a learnt behaviour. And violence is a choice.”
Ms Watt encouraged any man across Australia worried about his violent behaviour to call No to Violence’s 7 day a week Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 to stop his abuse and violence.
Sport plays a crucial role in Australian culture; the attitudes and behaviours modelled by players, coaches, media personalities, supporters and administrators are instrumental in shaping the values of communities.
“This creates an exciting opportunity for sport organisations to be a vehicle for change, to take a stand against violence against women and become genuine allies in the fight for gender equality,” said Ms Watt. “Today No to Violence calls sporting codes including the AFL and its clubs to do the following:
1) Take a public, zero-tolerance stance on violence against women, including family and domestic violence, with clear messaging that violence against women is never okay.
2) Invest in capacity building and support from the violence against women sector to develop and implement appropriate guidelines for responding to both victims and perpetrators of violence.
3) Consistently challenge outdated beliefs about masculinity. The cultural significance of sport creates a unique opportunity for sport organisations to become leaders in this space; to promote positive masculinity, challenge attitudes towards manhood and weaken the link between sport and harmful gender stereotypes.
4) Promote ways for men who use violence to seek help: we can shift perceptions of seeking help, and support men to change their behaviour earlier.
“As the peak body working with men to end family violence, No to Violence welcomes the opportunity to partner with sport organisations who are committed to driving change.”
“It is only by increasing focus on perpetrator interventions and accountability that we will end the scourge of family and domestic violence in this country.”
“Family and domestic violence is everyone’s problem. But it begins – and ends – with men.”
“For too long, the focus has been on helping women and children who are hurt by abuse – not on stopping the men from hurting them in the first place.”
For 30 years, No to Violence has worked to develop safe and effective interventions for men using family and domestic violence.
Stop the cycle of violence. If you are concerned about your behaviour, call Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit mrs.org.au for advice and support.
ENDS
Note to outlets: Please run the Men’s Referral Service number so that all men in Australia who need help, can access help.
Jacqui Watt is available for interview on 0429 030 318 or contact NTV Head of Communications David Sutherland at davids@ntv.org.au or phone 0405 354 343
About No to Violence
No to Violence (NTV) is Australia’s peak body for organisations and individuals who work with men to end family violence. This work spans four key areas: advocacy, policy, sector development and workforce development and training.
NTV has consulted with its members, allied organisations and experts working with victim-survivors on a number of family violence related issues including sexual consent laws. These discussions informed NTV’s submission into the recent inquiry into current and proposed sexual consent laws in Australia and also its advice on sexual consent law reform to the Tasmanian and New South Wales governments.
NTV also has a strong background working closely with the criminal justice system including Courts and Police Forces to support their awareness of the gendered nature of family violence, including sexual violence. The organisation has a deep understanding of the drivers of male family violence and the most effective ways to work with men who choose to use violence to change their behaviour.
NTV operates the Men’s Referral Service, which is the national telephone helpline that offers counselling, advice and support to men who have anger, relationship or parenting issues. NTV specialises in targeted interventions to support men to change their behaviour. The primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of women and children. Always. Visit ntv.org.au
