AIMING to become industry leaders for its work promoting gender equality for the prevention of violence against women, Carlton Football Club has today proudly announced its Carlton Respects initiative as a key pillar of the Blues’ long-term strategic plan.

Sharing the Club’s passion for championing the cause, MC Labour has expanded its partnership with Carlton Respects, signing on to become the community program’s first major partner.

Marking the Club’s fourth annual Carlton Respects game when the Blues face the Demons at the MCG on Sunday, the Club today launched a three-tiered awareness raising campaign with education at the forefront.

With early education playing a pivotal role in preventing violence before it occurs, this year’s campaign asks, ‘what are we teaching our children?’ highlighting the important work carried out by the Carlton Respects Education Program.

The program addresses underlying determinants and risk factors to prevent gender-based violence and disrespect against women. Since its inception in 2016, trained facilitators have delivered the program to schools in Melbourne’s northern corridor, promoting respectful and equal relationships to year seven and eight students.

On Sunday, Carlton’s playing group will continue to buck tradition and will again run out in distinctive orange socks with its navy blue home kit, while goal umpires will wave orange flags in support of the club-wide initiative. Supporters will be urged to collect a free orange flag as they enter the ground on the day and ‘fly their flag for equality’ throughout the match. Pre-game, there will also be a dedicated 30 seconds for fans to wave their flag in support of gender equality.

This week marks our annual Carlton Respects game - an initiative promoting gender equality to prevent family violence and violence against women. You’ll notice an orange theme across our social media channels this week. If you’re heading to the game on Sunday, be sure to fly the orange flag for gender equality at 1pm. You can pick one up from the Level 1 concourse inside the gates before the bounce. Find out more about Carlton Respects at bluesfoundation.org.au. #CarltonRespects #BoundByBlue

A post shared by Carlton Football Club (@carlton_fc) on May 16, 2018 at 4:01am PDT

As the annual Carlton Respects game draws closer, CEO Cain Liddle said this match was a significant event on the Blues’ calendar.

“We are extremely proud of the work we do through the Carlton Respects program and this initiative forms a key part of our long-term strategic plan. It goes to the heart of what we stand for as a club and aligns with our value in being the most inclusive sporting club in Australia,” Liddle said.

“There is a natural alignment between schools and sporting organisations as important vehicles for change and we know the important and influential role we can play in educating students.

“Thousands of students throughout the northern corridor in Melbourne have been positively impacted by the Carlton Respects Education Program and we want this number to continue to grow.

“As the program’s new major partner, we truly value MC Labour’s support. Their commitment will enable us to keep developing the program as we strive to see it recognised on a national level.

“Our members and supporters should be proud of the work their club is doing to promote equal and respectful relationships and challenge gender stereotypes within the community.”

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and AFLW vice-captain Sarah Hosking are the Club’s official Carlton Respects player ambassadors.

T-shirts and lapel pins will be available for sale at the ground, with all proceeds contributed towards the Carlton Respects program.

THE STATISTICS

• One in three Australian women has experienced physical abuse, since the age of 15.
• One in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
• One in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence.
• One in four Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Carlton Football Club would like to thank the following donors, who also support the Carlton Respects program: Our Watch, Reece, Ikon Services Australia, PwC, LaTrobe University, M-Group, Banner Asset Management, Ontime Delivery Solutions, Spotlight Foundation and Virgin Australia.