Campaign started by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracey Brabin to bring about positive change
- Huddersfield Town support #JustDont campaign
- Initiative to highlight and combat violence against women and girls
- Club committed to ensuring safety and inclusivity for all
Launched by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracey Brabin, the Club is supporting the #JustDont campaign that has been designed to highlight and fight violence against women and girls.
Sadly, statistics show that 86% of young women in the United Kingdom have experienced sexual harassment in public, and as the campaign states: “Things must change. Our message is that it’s not banter, it’s not harmless, and it’s not OK — so just don’t.”
Making violence against women and girls a priority in our local community, the campaign have released the below video to demonstrate that there’s ‘no excuse’ for this type of behaviour.
As a Club, we are only too aware of these incidents remaining an issue, and have recently assisted the West Yorkshire Police in prosecuting an individual from the away section at the John Smith’s Stadium who was verbally abusive toward a 17-year-old home supporter, using sexually explicit and violent language.
Rightfully prosecuted, the individual in question was found guilty in court and given a fine and three year football banning order.
Detective Superintendent Vanessa Rolfe, Violence Against Women and Girls Lead for West Yorkshire Police, said:
“We are continuing in our commitment across West Yorkshire, along with partners, to tackle offences that disproportionately affect women and girls. These offences can range from verbal abuse, controlling and coercive to sexual assault and domestic abuse.
“Football is a sport to be enjoyed by all and women and girls should be able to attend football matches without fear of coming to harm. What you may perceive as a harmless joke or comment, may cause considerable upset and harm.
“Don’t let your friends have negative attitudes and behaviours towards women and girls. You wouldn’t want this to be towards your sister, wife, partner, daughter, mother, cousin or friend. Point out their errors and together we can help change culture. The Police don’t want to spoil your game which could end in a banning order, as well as a fine.
“Friends don’t let friends abuse others.
“It is important that we work together to support the women and girls of West Yorkshire feel and be safe in any environment.”
We are proud partners of Her Game Too and Women At The Game, and will support the #JustDont campaign in the same way. We urge all supporters to remain vigilant, challenge abusive behaviour of all forms and report anything that they wish the Club to support on using our established reporting lines, which you can access by CLICKING HERE.
Additionally, the West Yorkshire Police suggest that women download the WalkSafe App - CLICK HERE - to increase their safety and decrease violence against women and girls.
To find out more about the #JustDont campaign and the work being done in West Yorkshire to combat violence against women and girls, please CLICK HERE.
