EVERY two minutes, Australian police are called out to a domestic violence incident and, currently, almost 10 women a day are hospitalised from injuries caused by a spouse or domestic partner.  

This issue is not going away, and these stats are just two out of the many that point to the impact of domestic violence in this country.  

That is why this Saturday afternoon against the Gold Coast Suns, we will once again add a touch of orange to our Navy Blue and take part in the sixth annual AFL Carlton Respects Game.  

Carlton Respects is the Club’s community initiative that aims to create a society of equality and respect in schools, workplaces and the broader community.  

Gender inequality is the biggest contributing factor that leads to domestic violence and is why the Club is committed to the Carlton Respects program.  

Through its schools program alone, Carlton Respects has educated over 9,000 students – while also using its workplace charter to highlight the issues of domestic violence and the crucial role gender equality can play in preventing it.  

Since 2016, the Blues have worn orange socks for one AFL and one AFLW game a year.  

Orange represents the international colour of harmony. It is a symbol to help raise awareness of the issue of domestic violence and the devastating impact it is having on families across Australia. 

Working closely with Our Watch, the national leader in the primary prevention of violence against women and their children in Australia, the Club is proud to support this year’s theme of ‘Disrespect Grows Louder Surrounded by Silence.’  

The theme encourages all of us to play our role and speak up when witnessing physical or emotional abuse towards women.  

Speaking up and doing something can help end the relentless cycle of domestic violence and help promote equality.  

Carlton CEO Cain Liddle  reflected on the importance of the Carlton Respects initiative year-round to the Club’s calendar each year.  

“We’ve been committed to our Carlton Respects program for the last six years and are proud with the role we’re able to play in raising awareness among our members, fans and the broader community,” Liddle said. 
 
“However, we know that we still have much more work to do, which is why we will continue to use our platform to stand for something and encourage others to do the same.  
 
“By leading by our actions on-and-off the field, in the workplace and in our lives away from the Club, we believe we can make a real change and help rewrite the narrative around domestic violence and gender inequality in this country. 
 
“We will not ever sit back and wait for something to happen. We are committed to speaking up and taking affirmative action.” 
 

Carlton fans are encouraged to show their support around the country by adding a touch of orange to their Navy Blue this Saturday.  

Fans are able to purchase Carlton Respects merchandise from The Carlton Shop, with a percentage of sales going directly to helping fund the Carlton Respects program.  

Should fans be in a position to do so, donations can also be made directly to the Carlton Respects program by clicking here. 

More resources and information about the Carlton Respects initiative can be found by visiting the Carlton Respects website.  

The 1800RESPECT  (1800 737 732) service aims to provide a best practice, professional telephone and online, crisis and trauma counselling service 24 hours a day, 7 days per week and assist people experiencing the effects of sexual assault, domestic or family violence