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Football unites against domestic violence

National charity Women’s Aid held a reception at the Premier League’s headquarters in London to mark the progress of the ‘Football United Against Domestic Violence’ campaign since its launch two years ago.

Women’s Aid, which works to end domestic abuse against women and girls, started the campaign in the run-up to the 2014 World Cup, claiming reports to police from women who had been victims of violence by their male partners rose by up to 30% during the tournament four years earlier in South Africa.

Working with national football clubs and organisations, police, players and fans, the aim is to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexist attitudes that underpin abuse.

Guests at the reception came from the worlds of football, politics, film and television as well as survivors of domestic abuse.

Polly Neate, the Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, thanked the Premier League and PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) for their commitment to the campaign which they are planning to develop further.

“We are so proud to be working with footballing organisations such as the Premier League and the PFA to be able to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the importance of healthy relationships,” said Neate. “We really appreciate the enthusiasm of our campaign supporters and are looking forward to planning the next steps of the campaign with their support.”

Karen Bradley is Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime and she reiterated the Government’s commitment to fighting violence against women and girls.

On International Women’s Day in March, they announced an increase in funding to £80million while a new offence of coercive and controlling behaviour has been created and they are working to improve the police response to victims.

She too welcomed football’s commitment to the campaign, saying: “Domestic abuse shatters lives and I’m delighted to see the football community taking action to stamp it out.

“Footballers are role models for millions of people and this campaign is using their influence to draw vital attention to these terrible crimes and to help protect victims.

“Domestic abuse can affect anyone and everybody has a part to play in confronting it.”

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