Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL) in partnership with Papua New Guinea’s Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee has launched an education program that will focus on helping young women and men to stand up, speak out and take action against domestic violence in Papua New Guinea.
The ‘Voice Against Violence (VAV) was formally announced by the program lead ambassador and former National Rugby League player Alan Tongue in Port Moresby yesterday.
"Our strong stance against this terrible issue is one of the most important messages that we can impart on communities and as a game, we will continue to do everything we can to prevent domestic violence," Mr Tongue said.
"We have a responsibility to our communities at large to ensure they receive the education, support and resources available to make informed decisions and ultimately, make positive and consistent behaviour choices.”
The NRL together with Papua New Guinea Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee will roll-out of the program in local communities throughout Papua New Guinea.
The VAV program will support NRL’s existing League Bilong Laif Program- that integrates rugby league with classroom activities to deliver positive education and respect messages in communities.
NRL Pacific Programs Manager, Michael Asensio, said the partnership and program was another step in the right direction in Rugby League using its voice for good amongst Pacific communities and to create change for the better.
“Domestic Violence is a serious issue throughout Australia and in many parts of the Pacific and through the power of Rugby League, we want to make sure that communities know the right thing to do – and that is to stand up, speak out and take action to say no to domestic violence and stop it in its tracks,” Mr Asensio said.
The partnership is supported by the Australian Government’s through the Pacific Sports Partnerships Innovation Fund.
Further information: Oliver Nombri, NRL PNG Media and Communications Officer T: +675 732 54636 E: [email protected]