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the perfect team to challenge domestic violence The partnership aims to raise awareness of domestic violence among England Netball’s nationwide membership and raise vital funds to support Refuge’s life saving work. 
Cherie Booth, a patron of Refuge, and a trustee for more than ten years, launched the campaign in November 2006: “If we are to create a future free from domestic violence, we have to confront domestic violence together. Through England Netball, Refuge will have a powerful voice to speak to women across the country. Together we will stand up and say that we will not tolerate domestic violence.” The partnership has two clear objectives. Firstly, to raise general awareness of domestic violence as an issue that is likely to affect many members in some way and educate them on how to recognise domestic violence; how to get help and how to support friends and family members currently experiencing it. Secondly: to raise vital funds to support Refuge’s work. Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge added “Every day at Refuge; we support over 900 women and children fleeing domestic violence. But we are reliant on donations to fund our services. We need to be able to help more. Our partnership with England Netball will help us raise vital funds to ensure ongoing support those at risk.” Netball is the biggest team participation sport for women in the world, and the game’s governing body, England Netball, has more than 60,000 accredited individual members nationwide, as well as participants at schools and clubs all over the country. It is estimated that more than one million women and girls play netball regularly.  And, as Karen Rothery, Commercial Director of England Netball explains,
the game’s very nature will assist in passing on the message to those at risk: “Netball is, by any standards, one of the most supportive and team-focused games around,” she says. “Every member of the team is involved in scoring every goal, and this camaraderie carries over into the social support networks which you see in every club. We believe that, through this teamwork, our members will offer support to those who may be suffering abuse at the hands of a partner, as well as extending understanding across our membership, building education and awareness of Refuge and its services, and, of course, generating much needed income through fundraising activities.” “Without realising it, many of our members may already be in contact with people for whom the nightmare of domestic violence is a daily occurrence,” continues Ms Rothery. |
