WA Athletes Pledge to End Family Violence

  • Cook Government teams up with top WA athletes and officials united in a pledge to 'play their part' to help end family and domestic violence
  • 16 Days in WA Sports Pledge harnesses power and influence of sport at grassroots to inspire the WA community, importantly men and boys, to champion respect for women
  • Pledge marks lead up to the 16 Days in WA campaign running 25 November to 10 December

The Cook Government is teaming up with some of the State's top athletes, sporting club leaders and officials to harness the power and influence of sport to help end family and domestic violence.

From the court, track, field and pitch, leaders from Netball WA, Rugby WA, NRL WA, WA Football, Football West, Athletics West, Basketball WA, Hockey WA, Tennis West, Volleyball WA, WA Cricket, Gymnastics WA and SportWest are pledging to 'play their part' ahead of 16 Days in WA.

By signing up to the 16 Days in WA Sports Pledge, the sports are committing to building a culture of respect, standing up for safety and calling out violence whether it shows up on or off the playing field.

The Cook Government initiative recognises the important leadership role athletes and the sporting sector can play in influencing the wider community, importantly men and boys, to help address the scourge of family and domestic violence.

Coming into its ninth year, the 16 Days in WA - Stop Violence against Women campaign, runs from 25 November to 10 December and continues to grow in strength.

While the message for 2025, 'Stopping Family and Domestic Violence: Play your part', calls on all Western Australians, for the first time, this year, the focus is on men and boys championing respect for women and taking positive action to support the campaign across the State.

For more information on how to play your part, visit www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/16-days-wa .

As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski:

"I'm proud the Cook Government is teaming up with our State's top athletes and officials pledging to play their part to help end family and domestic violence.

"Athletes are role models both on and off the field. By taking this pledge, our sporting leaders are sending a clear message that violence has no place in our homes, clubs or communities.

"These are crucial environments where we can raise awareness of respectful relationships, create inclusive environments and role model respectful behaviour on and off the field, particularly when it comes to men and boys.

"We all have a part to play in helping to end family and domestic violence in our community and I encourage Western Australians to stand up and call out harmful behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Sporting clubs are at the centre of so many Western Australian communities - they bring people together and have the power to shape our values and inspire change.

"By taking this pledge, the WA sporting community is showing its commitment to standing up, calling out and playing its part in ending family and domestic violence.

"This is about harnessing the power and influence of sport at a grassroots level to unite the WA community to stamp out the attitudes and behaviours that lead to violence.

"Every sporting team knows real strength comes from unity and respect. This pledge is about using that same spirit to build a culture right across our community where violence against women and children is not tolerated and everyone feels safe."

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