Some of the nation’s best football players will stand up for a Victoria Against Violence this weekend in a dedicated Go Orange initiative supported by Football Federation Australia (FFA) in partnership with Melbourne Victory FC and Melbourne City FC.
AAMI Park Stadium will be illuminated orange, with male and female players wearing orange arm-bands to support the Andrews Labor Government’s orange themed VAV campaign – running from 25 November, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Players including Tim Cahill, Steph Catley, Carl Valeri and Gulcan Koca have recorded messages to be played over the weekend, urging fans to stand up against violence and gender inequality.
The Labor Government recognises that sport can play a powerful role in preventing family violence and promoting gender equality – from national sporting organisations, to professional clubs, athletes and kids who play locally.
The Go Orange initiative shares the message that violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour and gender inequality, and is preventable.
The Go Orange initiative includes:
Friday 2 December – Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory, AAMI Park
Saturday 3 December – Melbourne City FC v Brisbane Roar, AAMI Park
Sunday 4 December – Melbourne Victory Women v Perth Glory Women, Lakeside Stadium
“Sport can, and should play a key role in addressing family violence and gender inequality,” said Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Fiona Richardson.
“We welcome the leadership shown by the FFA, Melbourne Victory and the Melbourne City Football Club in taking a stand against family violence and promoting fairness and respect.”
“It’s time Victoria became the sporting capital of Australia for women as well as men.”
Minister for Sport John Eren added: “We need to level the playing field for women in all walks of life, because deeply ingrained inequality drives much of the violence and abuse women suffer.”
