‘There is no excuse for abuse’ – that’s the message Our Watch wants to instil in Australians as part of this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Carlton hosted a morning tea to recognise the beginning of the global initiative which runs between International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November) and Human Rights Day (10 December).

16 Days of Activism, which originated from the first Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, links to the Club’s work around Carlton Respects and gender equality. Both campaigns are synonymous with the colour orange – representing a future free from violence against women and girls.

Held on Monday 26 November, the morning tea provided professional development for everyone who attended including Carlton staff, as well as representatives from the Club’s corporate sponsors, Virgin Australia, MC Labour, IKON Services, La Trobe University, On-Time and Women into Leadership.

Dr. Cuong La – Senior Advisor, Practice Leadership at Our Watch was a special guest speaker, while Blues CEO Cain Liddle was also on hand to address guests in the room.

Liddle spoke about the Club’s commitment to promote gender equality for the prevention of violence against women and announced the dates of Carlton’s 2019 Carlton Respects games.

The Blues’ second AFLW Carlton Respects match will fall on Saturday 10 March against the Brisbane Lions, while the AFL game takes place on Saturday 15 June against the Western Bulldogs.

For more information about the Carlton Respects program, visit the Blues Foundation website.

If you or someone you know experience family violence help is available:

In an emergency, call 000.

Call 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au - the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service. 24/7 phone and online services.