Rugby league teams across Cumbria are being asked to call out violence against women and girls.
A social media competition has been launched by charity Cumbria Family Support, funded by the county’s crime and fire commissioner and supported by Cumbria police.
League Teams will be encouraged this season to post a picture online of their players standing shoulder-to-shoulder and state they are calling out violence against women and girls. They should also use the hashtag #CallItOutCumbria.
Call It Out is Cumbria police’s campaign to raise awareness of the issue of violence against women and girls.
The team that gets the most likes and shares will receive a new kit, with the Call It Out slogan brand on it.
The competition was launched today at Workington Town’s Fibrus Community Stadium and is backed by the side, Barrow Raiders, Whitehaven and the RFL.
Cumbria’s deputy police, fire and crime commissioner Mike Johnson said: “Violence against anyone is unacceptable but women and girls are overwhelmingly more likely to have to deal with some form of abuse at the hands of men – whether it is physical or not.
“This competition is a great opportunity for rugby league teams to get involved in the support of women and girls and use their platforms to call out their male fans, friends and family members who may be acting inappropriately with women that, if not stopped, could lead to violence.
“As men, we can have a lot of influence of our peers and highlighting when a friend, family member or even a stranger is acting inappropriately or in an intimidating manner towards women may have more impact that we think.”
Detective Inspector Matt Belshaw is the constabulary’s dedicated operational violence against women and girls’ detective inspector.
He said: “To have the Rugby Football League, local clubs and our partners working alongside us and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us to further raise awareness is fantastic – and we are hoping the positive power of sport will prove a big factor in this ongoing campaign.”
RFL safeguarding manager Kerry Simmons added: “We are passionate about safeguarding at the RFL, and want women and girls to feel safe in our sport.
“I am delighted to be able to support such an important campaign – one that aims to challenge attitudes and change the kinds of behaviours that women and girls should never have to put up with.
Steve Neale, chairman of Barrow Raiders, said: “Barrow Raiders are delighted to be able to support the Call it Out initiative. Barrow Raiders are committed to providing playing opportunities and enhanced life experiences for all females and together with our other teams we are keen to send a message to help prevent violence against women and girls.”
Gary Murdock, director of Workington Town, added: “We want to use that platform to say that violence against women and girls is unacceptable and has no place in society.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Cumbria Constabulary and our partners and will always do so.”
