The Carlton Football Club is proud to announce its ninth annual AFL Carlton Respects Game will take place during its Round 15 match against Geelong at the MCG.
Established in 2016 in response to the alarming statistics surrounding domestic and family violence, the Carlton Respects initiative aims to strive for respect and equality for a future free of violence.
Violence against women is a serious and widespread problem in Australia, with enormous individual and community impacts.
On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner, with two in five women experiencing physical violence since the age of 15.
Carlton believes the only acceptable rate of violence is zero, with the Club dedicated to taking a prevention approach, being a leader in the sports industry and an ally to the sector.
At the AFL Carlton Respects Game on Friday 21 June, some big names are throwing their support behind the cause, with Carlton hosting its first-ever ‘Race for Respect’.
The 'Race for Respect' is a relay race, taking place at quarter time, with teams made up of celebrities, students and generous commercial partners. Along with bragging rights, the race will raise funds for the Club’s Road to Respect school program.
Road to Respect is a free digital learning platform and face-to-face program for primary school students in Grades 3 to 6, which aims to encourage respectful relationships, manage emotions, seek help and challenge pre-existing gender stereotypes. AFL and AFLW players feature in the program to engage students, reinforce the content and act as role models.
Donations raised on the night and in the lead-up to the game will help take the school program to more students, with the aim to reach 27,000 students by 2027.
Further, thanks to Carlton’s Gold Match-Day partner Bupa, $1 will be donated to Carlton Respects for every person attending the Round 15 Carlton v Geelong game.
Blues CEO Brian Cook said today’s announcement marks a significant game in the Carlton calendar.
“Carlton Respects is a core initiative for the Club and highlights our commitment to playing a role in achieving gender equality, helping to create a safe and respectful society for all women,” Cook said
“Gender-based violence is preventable, and we acknowledge the large platform we have and the important role we play in raising awareness on such an important issue.
“The AFL Carlton Respects Game will help raise further awareness for the social cause and funds for our school program, available for free to schools nationwide.
“As a society we have a collective responsibility to step up and stop it at the start, and this is why our school program is so important.”
For the ninth annual AFL Carlton Respects Game, the team will take to the field in a brand-new design for this year's Carlton Respects guernsey.
Be the first to know when the 2024 Carlton Respects guernsey and merch range drop by signing up here.
To learn more about Carlton Respects or to donate, please click here.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au. If you, a child, or another person is in immediate danger, call 000.
