zero tolerance

NRL: Take a zero tolerance approach on domestic violence

Earlier this month, prominent Rugby League player Shaun Kenny-Dowall was charged with a number of domestic violence offences.1 Yet he still hasn't been stood down.2

Domestic violence is at epidemic levels in our country. If we are going to change that, we need strong leadership across our community, showing that domestic violence will never be tolerated. 

It's time the NRL instituted a zero tolerance approach on domestic violence - that means automatically standing down any player charged with domestic violence offences until legal proceedings against them are completed, and instituting an automatic, immediate ban on any player found guilty of domestic violence.

The NRL say they closely monitor the opinions of fans. Can you join the campaign and help show them that fans - and the Australian public - demand better?

-If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, you can get 24/7 support by calling 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you are in danger, call 000.-

More information

Domestic violence experts, and even the NSW Premier have spoken out about the need for the NRL to take stronger action on this issue -- calling on the body to send a strong message by standing down players in this situation until cases such as this are resolved.3

Earlier this year, three NRL players were stood down by their club after they were charged with the supply of cocaine.4 In November last year, the Rabbitohs stood down another NRL player after charges were laid over an alleged domestic assault.5 Yet  the Sydney Roosters have made clear to media that Kenny-Dowall has not been stood down over the numerous domestic violence related charges.

It's time the NRL instituted a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence. 

-References-

1. Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall charged with domestic violence offences against former partner Peris, Daily Telegraph, 18 July 2015.

2. NRL called on to formally suspend players charged with domestic violence offences, ABC, 22 July 2015.

3. NSW Premier calls on NRL to send strong message against domestic violence to players, Ninemsn, 19 July 2015.

4. Titans stand players down named in cocaine investigation, Gold Coast Bulletin, 2 February 2015.

5. South Sydney Rabbitohs stand down Cody Walker after domestic assault charge, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 November 2014.

 

To the NRL,

We urge you to institute a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence, and stand down any player charged with domestic violence offences until their legal proceedings are resolved.

We also call on you to institute an automatic, immediate ban on any player found guilty of domestic violence.

Signed,

* required fields

Latest activity

Elizabeth , 4606  /  signed 2015-07-25 06:24:36 +1000
"My ex-husband was a model of corporate success and at home was a repeated abuser of both myself and our children. It is not OK for these men of financial success stories to turn on their women because they cannot handle the pressure; much better to teach them human values to prevent further violence."
Dianne , 3214  /  signed 2015-07-25 02:53:44 +1000
"This matters to me because every sports person is an idol to a child somewhere. If the idolized are permitted to get away with this type of behavior toward the women in their lives, we will never change the domestic violence culture in this country. It’s zero tolerance now."
Moira , 7184  /  signed 2015-07-25 00:58:43 +1000
"A public sports figure is responsible for the values he/she teaches by example both on and off the sportsfield. Stand down until your name is cleared or otherwise."
Janette , 6014  /  signed 2015-07-25 00:54:06 +1000
Ragnhild , 3046  /  signed 2015-07-25 00:02:43 +1000
"everyone has the right to safe and not subjected to violence! The NRL must act to at least stand this player down!"
Angela , 6008  /  signed 2015-07-24 23:43:29 +1000
Ben , 6175  /  signed 2015-07-24 23:42:15 +1000
Mark , 2110  /  signed 2015-07-24 23:09:47 +1000
Leon , 2535  /  signed 2015-07-24 23:04:42 +1000
Ildi , 3950  /  signed 2015-07-24 22:54:30 +1000
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