Southern Rugby Promotes Non Violence Message

“People may think that we don’t have much family violence in Taranaki but they would be wrong,” Taranaki Safe Families Coordinator Marion James said. 

“Each month Police attend at least 120 incidents of family violence, 70-80% of those involve children who either experienced or witnessed the violence,” she said.

Four Trophies have been presented to the Southern Rugby Club by the TSFT for presentation to senior teams at the end of year prize giving. Coaches have been keeping a watchful eye on their teams and will nominate players that have best displayed non-violent play throughout the season. These will then be forwarded to management for selection.

Coasters and posters stating Violence is not our Game are on display in the Southern Rugby clubrooms and changing rooms to bring the message home to club players.

“We aim to work with other sports clubs across the region, encouraging them to speak to their players about non violent play. We congratulate Southern Rugby for taking the lead and being the first club in Taranaki to support this initiative.”

“Family violence is a community problem, it affects us all.  Crisis services can only do so much – we all need to stand up and say it’s not OK and take action to stop the violence.”

Click here to see a copy of the 'Violence is not our Game' posters.