Footballers give the red card to domestic violence

The Commission for Domestic Violence has teamed-up with the Malta Football Association to mark the international White Ribbon campaign, part of a global initiative to encourage men to take more responsibility for reducing violence against women.

Players for BoV Premier League teams Valletta FC and Ħamrun Spartans took to the field last weekend wearing white ribbons for the duration of the game to show their support for this cause.

Just before the match, the footballers also held up white placards in full visibility of all the supporters with the message ‘No to Domestic Violence’.

Commission for Domestic Violence chairperson, Joanna Xuereb, said: “Working with Malta football Association has given us a valuable opportunity to get this crucial message out to a large number of people. Domestic abuse is an unacceptable and cowardly crime that cuts across all sections of society, often behind closed doors.”

Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women or girls. Ms Xuereb hopes this collaboration with the MFA sends out a very clear message that men are just as keen to see an end towards violence to women.

MFA CEO Bjorn Vassallo said the MFA always insists that any form of violence is an obstacle in the development of an inclusive and active society.