Melbourne Victory has thrown its support behind the Victorian Government’s Victoria Against Violence campaign and will participate in this weekend’s Go Orange initiative.
Players from Victory and City will stand up for Victoria Against Violence in the initiative, which also has the support of Football Federation Australia.
AAMI Park will be illuminated orange, with Victory’s Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League players wearing orange armbands to support the Andrews Labor Government’s orange-themed campaign.
Victoria Against Violence runs from November 25, the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10 (Human Rights Day).
Victory players including Carl Valeri and Gulcan Koca have recorded messages to be played over the weekend, urging fans to stand up against violence and gender inequality.
The Labor Government recognises that sport can play a powerful role in preventing family violence and promoting gender equality – from national sporting organisations, to professional clubs, athletes and kids who play locally.
The Go Orange initiative shares the message that violence against women starts with disrespectful behaviour and gender inequality, and is preventable.
“Sport can, and should play a key role in addressing family violence and gender inequality,” said Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Fiona Richardson.
“We welcome the leadership shown by the FFA, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City in taking a stand against family violence and promoting fairness and respect.
“It’s time Victoria became the sporting capital of Australia for women as well as men.”