Burnley FC players produce video in support of tackling domestic violence

Nationally, it is shown that after sporting events, domestic violence incidents increase, so Burnley Football Club used Sunday’s game with Blackburn Rovers to start the promotion of this partnership.

The club’s media department have produced a special video featuring the Burnley players, management and Chief Executive Lee Hoos all showing their support for the worthwhile campaign.

This video was shown on the big screen ahead of the game and can be viewed at the club’s official YouTube channel at the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14zCvwSvmAA&feature=g-upl

The White Ribbon Campaign is the UK branch of the global campaign to ensure men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.

They are an educational organisation to encourage reflection and discussion that leads to personal and collective action among men by encouraging men; to do educational work in schools, workplaces or communities, to support local women’s groups and to raise money for the international educational efforts of the White Ribbon Campaign.

The White Ribbon Campaign started in Canada in 1991, when a group of men decided that they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out against violence against women.

There are now White Ribbon Campaigns operating in many countries across the world, with the UK’s branch starting in 2004.

Paul Brannigan of the White Ribbon Campaign, said: “The White Ribbon Campaign charity encourages men and boys to not commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence.

“Statistics show that domestic violence increases after a big sporting event.

“The Burnley v Blackburn Rovers game was a big event locally, meaning women may have faced a greater risk of domestic violence.”

Jonathan Sibley, Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC Programme for Education, Sport and Society, added: “Statistics show our home games do affect women locally and we wanted to counteract this by partnering with the White Ribbon Campaign to encourage our male fans to play their part in helping to reduce the risk of violence against women in their homes.”

Louise Howorth of Burnley Community Safety Partnership said: “During the 2010 World Cup campaign, Burnley SafeNet Domestic Violence Helpline had a significant rise in calls from victims, seeing a 38% increase in calls for support.

“In contrast, Police call outs to domestic violence incidents in Burnley did not increase.

“This increase in calls to the helpline may have been a direct result of the awareness raising work carried out during the campaign, which encouraged victims to seek help sooner.

“We are aiming to have the same success after Burnley football matches.”

If you need to talk to an experienced support worker in confidence, call or text: Burnley SafeNet DV Helpline on 07866 510 728 Monday- Friday, 10am - 5pm.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger then dial 999 and ask for the Police.

If you would like more information about the White Ribbon Campaign and what you can do to support it, please contact [email protected] or visit the website www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

• The Burnley Express has launched a FREE football app which is now available to download on iPhone and Android devices.