Cambridgeshire’s professional football clubs will put local rivalry aside to team up in a campaign to help tackle male violence against women and girls.
Both Peterborough United and Cambridge United have joined up with Cambridgeshire Police for the ‘United Against Domestic Abuse’ campaign, which starts today (Friday).
The 16-day initiative, which begins on White Ribbon Day and during the Qatar World Cup, will aim to focus on the role football can play in creating a safer world for women and girls.
Det Insp David Savill said: “Sadly, cases of domestic abuse continue to rise, which is absolutely unacceptable, and it is critical we all look at what we can do to prevent abuse happening.
“The aim of our campaign is to support the White Ribbon campaign in identifying the root causes of violence and looking at what preventative measures we can all take.”
Det Insp Savill added: “With football currently on the global stage, it is an opportunity for us to reach large groups of men and boys and have those discussions.”
As part of the campaign, Peterborough, Cambridge and Cambridgeshire Police will sign a ‘White Ribbon Pledge’, promising “never to use, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women”.
The teams, alongside Chief Constable Nick Dean, have also made a short film encouraging other men and boys to change their behaviours and try to end abuse.
Harrison Dunk, player at Cambridge United, said: “We take our responsibilities as role models very seriously and to be part of work to tackle such a serious issue is very important to us.”
Nathan Thompson, of Peterborough United, added: “Men’s football has traditionally been seen as a masculine environment.
“We need to dispel that myth and address those informal rules that can restrict the way men and women are expected to live.”
In the last 10 months, Cambridgeshire Police has recorded almost 10,000 domestic abuse incidents, 72% of which had female victims.
Anthea Sully, chief executive at White Ribbon UK, hopes that the Posh and the U’s partnership alongside police can ensure men and boys can make a positive impact to ensure women and girls’ safety.
She said: “This partnership highlights that ending violence against women and girls is everyone’s responsibility.”
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