The West Coast Eagles added some flair to their training attire and donned orange socks to show their ongoing support for the 16 Days in WA campaign calling for an end to domestic violence against women.

Prior to training this week, Eagles players and staff were addressed by Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk on the importance of the campaign and its impact in the community.

“It’s fantastic to once again have the support of the West Coast Eagles for the 16 Days in WA campaign,” Minister McGurk said.

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Eagles support 16 Days in WA Campaign

Hon Simone McGurk MLA addressed West Coast Eagles players and staff about the 16 Days in WA Campaign

“West Aussies look up to their sporting heroes, and the West Coast Eagles are taking action by embracing the message that ending violence against women is everybody’s business.

“I would urge leaders in every field to follow their example and take a stand – we all have a part to play in calling out disrespectful behaviour.”

Now in its sixth year, 16 Days in WA draws inspiration from the global movement for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence to drive a change in culture, behaviour and attitudes that lead to violence against women and their children.

The campaign is aimed at educating others through the use of Agents of Change, including Eagles stars Tom Barrass and Jessica Sedunary, alongside AFLW senior coach Michael Prior, by promoting the theme ‘Ending violence against women – it’s everybody’s business’.

L to R: Michael Prior, Krstel Petrevski, Jessica Sedunary, Trevor Nisbett, Simone McGurk, Aisling McCarthy, Adam Simpson and Tom Barrass

West Coast Eagles Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett was honoured to continue the partnership with the state government’s campaign and reiterated the club’s commitment to tackling domestic violence against women.

“We are proud to be able to shine the light on such an important social issue in our community – we all have a part to play, on and off the field,” Mr Nisbett said.

“Sport is part of Australia's social fabric and presents an opportunity to engage with young people and the broader community at a grassroots level on how we can model respect as individuals and organisations.

“By supporting this campaign, the club can assist in addressing such a complex social problem such as violence against women and help the community effort to stamp out these behaviours across the state.”

Supporting the 16 Days in WA campaign

The campaign is run by the West Australian Government and held from November 25 (International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women) through to December 10 (Human Rights Day).

In marking the launch of 16 Days in WA, the State Government has unveiled plans for its successful Respectful Relationships school program to expand into local community sport and recreation clubs.  Sports settings are recognised as a priority sector for the prevention of violence against women.

On and off the field, sport provides the environment and opportunity to reinforce positive attitudes, behaviours and social norms that underpin gender inequality.

More information on 16 Days in WA, including the campaign kit, is available online.