The Football Association has backed Women’s Aid's campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence and battle the sexist attitudes that underpin abuse against women.
Working alongside a number of football clubs, organisations, players and fans – Women’s Aid will encourage the football community to speak out publicly against domestic violence in society in order to make football a place where perpetrators of domestic abuse are not welcome.
In backing the campaign, FA general secretary Alex Horne said football has a key role to play in tackling such a serious problem.
Horne said The FA is proud to back the campaign
“At The FA we know what enormous power the footballing community has to make positive change and we welcome this important campaign,” he said.
“Domestic violence affects all of our society and football, especially as the World Cup approaches, has the potential to reach a huge proportion of the public.
“We can all make a difference by signing up to the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign - clubs, fans and players - to bring domestic violence out from behind closed doors.”
Women’s Aid is asking clubs to get involved by signing the Football United Club Pledge to send a clear message that domestic violence is completely unacceptable.
The pledge also encourages clubs to help break the silence that allows domestic violence to continue and provide positive role models of younger people in the community.
Another advocate of the campaign is former England goalkeeper David James, who said the world of football must play its part.
The "Be A Hero Off The Pitch" campaign launched on Tuesday
He said: “All forms of domestic violence are completely unacceptable, and it is shocking to think that there is a rise in reporting following England games.
“I wholeheartedly support the Football United Against Domestic Violence campaign, and hope that clubs get involved and work with Women’s Aid to help raise awareness with their supporters.”
The FA has backed a number of initiatives and Horne added that the organisation is delighted to be part of another worthy campaign.
He added: “We are keen to promote social change through football and our new Inclusion Advisory Board already supports well known campaigns such as Kick It Out and Football v Homophobia; we are proud to now add Football United Against Domestic Violence to that list.”
