Horsham District and Wimmera football netball leagues, together with the Wimmera Mallee Umpires Association, will host the ‘Are You Safe At Home?’ Round on Saturday.

The leagues will take a stand together to raise awareness and take action against family violence, with players, coaches, umpires and volunteers all taking visible action by wearing white armbands.

Horsham District Football Netball League deputy chair Ben Tait said the initiative was part of a broader Are You Safe At Home? campaign, a Victorian-based program that raised awareness about family violence.

The campaign also promotes access to support services for people who may be experiencing harm, as well as for those concerned about someone else’s safety.

“Sporting clubs are more than just places to play, they are powerful community hubs,” Mr Tait said.

“With strong values of respect, leadership and inclusion, our clubs have a real opportunity to drive positive social change. 

“By supporting this initiative, we are helping reduce the stigma around speaking up and sending a clear message: family violence has no place in our community.” Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Jennie Courtney said the day was especially significant in the local context.

“The Grampians region has some of the highest family violence rates in the state,” she said.

“This initiative helps to break down some of the barriers associated with talking about family violence and also promotes the support services available locally.”

Ms Courtney said the Are You Safe At Home? Round was a reminder that conversations about safety, respect, and support could, and should, start within communities, including on the sidelines and courts of sporting clubs.

For more information about the Are You Safe At Home? campaign and support services, people can visit www.areyousafeathome.org.au.

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