The West Coast Eagles’ iconic club colours of blue and gold took on a different hue this morning, as the men’s team trained in orange socks at Mineral Resources Park to help call for an end to violence against women on the final day of 16 Days in WA for 2021.

Hon Simone McGurk talks to the playing group

Now in its fifth year, the 16 Days in WA campaign seeks to raise awareness about the issue of gender-based violence and advocates for a change in the attitudes and behaviours that excuse or downplay disrespect towards women.

The West Coast Eagles have been proud supporters of this year’s campaign, which has included 2018 premiership defender Tom Barrass joining Eagles AFLW star Hayley Bullas as official 16 Days in WA Agents of Change.

The players don the socks to support 16 days in WA

Minister for Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Simone McGurk met with the playing group this morning at the Eagles’ headquarters in Lathlain and praised the Club for taking a proactive stand on an important community issue.

The Eagles’ orange socks for 16 Days in WA symbolises the official theme colour of the campaign, which is inspired by the global 16 Days movement, running from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (Human Rights Day). 

   

65 per cent of assaults recorded in Western Australia last year were related to family and domestic violence (up 15 per cent on 2019). Of the 22,257 victims, 73 percent – or 16,262 victims – were female (Source: 2020 ABS Recorded Crime).

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

Comments attributed to Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Simone McGurk:

 “It is incredibly powerful to see an organisation as large and well respected as the West Coast Eagles, lending their support to the 16 Days in WA campaign.

“With more than 100,000 members across the state, the Eagles are backed by a large and passionate fanbase.

“Having the Eagles players wear the orange socks for 16 Days in WA will help start conversations. It sends a very clear message that violence against women is never okay.

“While the 2021 campaign is drawing to a close, I would urge all Western Australians to continue supporting the campaign’s key messages. Don’t be silent when you see violence.     

“Together we can end disrespect and violence against women.”

Comments attributed to West Coast Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett:

West Coast Eagles Chief Executive Trevor Nisbett said the club was committed to do what it could to stamp out violence against women.

“The number of instances in our community where women are disrespected and subjected to violence is alarming and cannot be tolerated,” Mr Nisbett said.

“If our club, by supporting this campaign, can assist in reducing the incidences and give people the strength to speak up against violence, then we will take some satisfaction and pride in that outcome.”