11th May, 2009
Preventing Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women
As part of Football For All's core message "Positive social messages through Football" we aim to highlight important social problems by utilising the the high public profile of football in Scotland. Violence against Women is a continuing problem throughout Scotland.
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We will work alongside other campaigning organisations in this field in order to bring this issue to the forefront of public attention and debate.
The White Ribbon Campaign
The WRC is the largest effort in the world where men work to end men's violence against women. It relies on volunteer support and financial contributions from individuals and organizations. The UK Branch of WRC was started in 2004.
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Each year, WRC urge men and boys to wear a ribbon for one or two weeks, starting on November 25, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.
A number of Scottish football personalities have publicly pledged support for the campaign:
To find out more about the White Ribbon Campaign UK visit their website
Amnesty International - Stop Violence Against Women
The Stop Violence Against Women campaign focuses on ending violence against women in the family and in conflict/post conflict situations: two of the most dangerous environments for millions of women throughout the world. The creation of a world in which women and girls are afforded their basic human rights is their campaigns ultimate goal.
As part of their Stop Violence Against Women campaign AI have produced interactive and informative educational materials linked to the curricula for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
These materials can be found at their website:
Old Firm support campaign to cut abuse in the home
Celtic and Rangers will be supporting a campaign to wipe out domestic abuse by screening hard-hitting advertisements to fans at half-time.
The new phase of the Scottish Government campaign highlights the impact of domestic abuse on young people and includes television, radio and billboard advertisements.
Football fans will be able to view the new advert, Teddy, today when Rangers play Motherwell, and on December 29 during Celtic against Gretna as well as the Old Firm clash on January 2.
Stewart Maxwell, Communities and Sport Minister, said: "I welcome the support Celtic and Rangers are giving to this important campaign, which aims to eradicate domestic violence in Scotland.
"This is also a time when many families are affected by domestic abuse, and calls to the helpline and police increase.
"Violence against women and domestic abuse continue to devastate the lives of too many women and young people in Scotland.
"I hope many people at these football matches will hear or see this year's advertisements and heed the Scottish Government's clear message - there is no excuse for domestic abuse."
Celtic captain Stephen McManus said: "Myself and all the other players at Celtic are delighted to support the Scottish Government's campaign to combat domestic abuse.
"We should do all we can to eliminate violence against women and everyone at the club is fully supportive of this excellent initiative."
Rangers striker Steven Naismith said: "The effects of domestic abuse can be devastating, particularly on children, so it is important they know that help is available.
"That is why all the players and staff at Rangers are delighted to support this campaign to combat domestic abuse."
Source: BBC News, Dec 2007
Raúl and other Spanish players campaigning against violence towards women
Raúl, Morientes, Puyol and Joaquín are participating in the campaign against gender-based violence launched by the Spanish Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Jesús Caldera.
Raúl González: “You can overcome maltreatment and find help before it is too late.”
Fernando Morientes: “Insults and beatings make themselves heard. They make a noise. You can’t turn your back on it. Report it!”
Carles Puyol: “You can overcome maltreatment and find help before it is too late.”
Joaquín Sánchez: “We know that it is difficult to make the decision but only if you speak up we will we be able to listen to you and help you.”
Special thanks to Cocoa Rose Photography for provision of images.
The White Ribbon Campaign
The WRC is the largest effort in the world where men work to end men's violence against women. It relies on volunteer support and financial contributions from individuals and organizations. The UK Branch of WRC was started in 2004.
Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Each year, WRC urge men and boys to wear a ribbon for one or two weeks, starting on November 25, the International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.
A number of Scottish football personalities have publicly pledged support for the campaign:
"Football has a fantastic following from men all over Scotland but that loyalty and support that we show to our favourite teams should also be extended to the people in our lives who we care about. There are women all over Scotland who experience violence and abuse in many forms which in my view, is utterly unacceptable. No one should be living with violence in our society and there is a wealth of agencies out there that can provide the right advice and support that is needed."
Walter Smith, Manager, Rangers FC
"I condemn any form of domestic abuse against women. Nobody should ever have to live in fear."
Craig Gordon, No.1, Scotland
"There is no place for domestic abuse in a civilised society and no one should be living in fear of violence or controlling behaviour, particularly when in a relationship. Anything that raises awareness of the unacceptability of all forms of abuse towards women is a good thing, and I hope the campaign sends out the clear message that abuse is not and will not be tolerated."
Grant Stott, Scotsport presenter
To find out more about the White Ribbon Campaign UK visit their website
Amnesty International - Stop Violence Against Women
The Stop Violence Against Women campaign focuses on ending violence against women in the family and in conflict/post conflict situations: two of the most dangerous environments for millions of women throughout the world. The creation of a world in which women and girls are afforded their basic human rights is their campaigns ultimate goal.
As part of their Stop Violence Against Women campaign AI have produced interactive and informative educational materials linked to the curricula for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
These materials can be found at their website:
Old Firm support campaign to cut abuse in the home
Celtic and Rangers will be supporting a campaign to wipe out domestic abuse by screening hard-hitting advertisements to fans at half-time.
The new phase of the Scottish Government campaign highlights the impact of domestic abuse on young people and includes television, radio and billboard advertisements.
Football fans will be able to view the new advert, Teddy, today when Rangers play Motherwell, and on December 29 during Celtic against Gretna as well as the Old Firm clash on January 2.
Stewart Maxwell, Communities and Sport Minister, said: "I welcome the support Celtic and Rangers are giving to this important campaign, which aims to eradicate domestic violence in Scotland.
"This is also a time when many families are affected by domestic abuse, and calls to the helpline and police increase.
"Violence against women and domestic abuse continue to devastate the lives of too many women and young people in Scotland.
"I hope many people at these football matches will hear or see this year's advertisements and heed the Scottish Government's clear message - there is no excuse for domestic abuse."
Celtic captain Stephen McManus said: "Myself and all the other players at Celtic are delighted to support the Scottish Government's campaign to combat domestic abuse.
"We should do all we can to eliminate violence against women and everyone at the club is fully supportive of this excellent initiative."
Rangers striker Steven Naismith said: "The effects of domestic abuse can be devastating, particularly on children, so it is important they know that help is available.
"That is why all the players and staff at Rangers are delighted to support this campaign to combat domestic abuse."
Source: BBC News, Dec 2007
Raúl and other Spanish players campaigning against violence towards women
Raúl, Morientes, Puyol and Joaquín are participating in the campaign against gender-based violence launched by the Spanish Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, Jesús Caldera.
Raúl González: “You can overcome maltreatment and find help before it is too late.”
Fernando Morientes: “Insults and beatings make themselves heard. They make a noise. You can’t turn your back on it. Report it!”
Carles Puyol: “You can overcome maltreatment and find help before it is too late.”
Joaquín Sánchez: “We know that it is difficult to make the decision but only if you speak up we will we be able to listen to you and help you.”
Special thanks to Cocoa Rose Photography for provision of images.
