Rugby stands against domestic violence
The South Canterbury Rugby Football Union have unveiled a community support project against domestic violence that will be implemented in April.
More than 50 people from 11 rugby clubs attended at a meeting in Timaru recently which outlined the union’s plans for a campaign to stand up against domestic violence in the community.
South Canterbury Rugby chief executive Craig Calder said due to the influence of rugby in the community, they saw it as an opportunity to help create safer environments throughout the district.
‘‘The messages and guest speakers we had at the meeting provided hard-hitting information about the subject.
‘‘We needed to stress that domestic and family violence was not in any way directed or attributed to rugby players or rugby clubs.
‘‘It is a cause that South Canterbury Rugby has decided to stand alongside and support.’’
Calder said the feedback from rugby clubs had been overwhelming.
‘‘We wanted to start the conversation and we certainly achieved that.
‘‘We are committed to this project and are very committed to working with our clubs and other local charity organisations to get the message out there, and educate people within our club on what support services’ are available.’’
Calder said they will promote the anti-domestic violence message by having clubs raise the subject with teams and supporters, and by inviting local guest speakers to talk about the problem.
There will also be a charity day at one of South Canterbury’s home games in the Heartland Championship this year where funds raised from the match will go to Women’s Refuge. There will be donation buckets at the ground on the day and the union will match all donations made.
South Canterbury Police family violence co-ordinator and White Ribbon ambassador Steve Wills said he doesn’t believe there is an increased amount of family violence in the South Canterbury community, but more so an increase of people reporting incidents of family harm.
‘‘I applaud South Canterbury Rugby for standing up to the community issue of domestic violence.
‘‘The reality is it’s now a challenge to other sporting codes to stand up.
‘‘Family violence is not just a rugby problem and there’s no boundaries with it, it happens right across sporting codes and in the community.’’
Wills said it’s pleasing to see sporting organisations take initiative and stand up against issues such as domestic violence.
‘‘When Craig told me about the campaign I told him I would support it boots and all.
‘‘To see a sports organisation tackle this challenge head on is so positive.
‘‘It will make a huge difference in the community.’’