Sunday 9th December saw the return of competitive Derbies to Dens Park, along with the return of White Ribbon Scotland, in their second visit to promote the work they do to counteract violence towards women. While this is the second visit under the Community Initiative, the White ribbon Campaign is something Dundee FC have supported in previous years also. Kathryn Sharp of Dundee Violence Against Women Partnership, and Callum Hendry from White Ribbon Scotland were joined by Lucy Kapasi and Emily Milton from Dundee Women’s Aid, as they brought a message to the Dundee fans.
White Ribbon Scotland, along with its partners took time out during a worldwide campaign, 16 Days of Activism to spread the word about the problem of violence towards women, as Kathryn sharp explained. ‘This is the second year we have been visitors as part of the community Initiative, although Dundee FC have helped us out before. The players wore White ribbons on their strips, as well as the staff and directors wearing them. This is a fantastic place to come and spread our message, often football clubs are negatively associated with domestic violence, and I think it is really positive that Dundee FC, and the Supporters’ Society have continued to be involved in a positive way.’
‘News reports suggest that reports of incidents of domestic violence rise when football is on, so it’s great to see Dundee FC getting involved positively, and sending out a good message to everyone connected with the club. At this time of year, we see a lot more women and children coming to places like Women’s Aid, and Barnardos, so it is really important as the holiday season approaches that we raise awareness, not just so that men get that important message, to end violence against women, but also so that women know that there are services that can help them.’
‘Monday 10th December was the last day of our 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of violence towards women, and that is an international campaign, and again Dundee FC have always supported us in that campaign, so it is good that we finished our programme of events at Dens Park.’
‘The real message behind the campaign is that everybody can do something about domestic abuse, and other forms of violence towards women, it may be someone you know, are concerned about. It could be someone you work with, or someone you know for any reason, and maybe just giving some information, or sometimes just talking to people will help, there are loads of ways, and the thousands of people who support Dundee FC could be part of that.’
On the visit itself, Kathryn wanted to thank the Dundee fans for the reception they received on the day, ‘We had a fantastic time at Dens on Sunday. The atmosphere at the ground was brilliant, with many supporters stopping in the stands to talk to us and to pledge never to commit, condone or stay silent about violence against women. Despite the chilly weather and the disappointing result we had a very entertaining and worthwhile time with you all. As always, the Dundee fans were amazing, and welcomed us warmly to Dens. All of the staff, players (current and former) and Supporter's Club representatives were very supportive throughout the day and we were pleased to see so many people already wearing white ribbons or who had already signed up to the pledge in previous years. With the help of the staff at Dens we handed out hundreds of leaflets and white ribbons.’
‘We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone at DFC for their continued support in tackling violence against women and for the White Ribbon Campaign. The support that you have given us over the years is an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness amongst a large section of the local community. We wish everyone at the club and all your supporters a very merry Christmas and all the best for 2013’]
Community Director Jacqui Robertson was delighted to welcome White Ribbon back for their second visit as part of the community initiative, ‘We were delighted to welcome the White Ribbon Campaign back to Dens and have kept the relationship going throughout the year with regular contact with the team. Again Dundee Football Club led the way with the players and manager showing their support running out onto the pitch on derby day proudly sporting the white ribbon. Nothing was more important than us showing our support for the campaign against domestic violence.’
Dundee FC Supporters’ Society would like to thank White ribbon Scotland for taking time out during their 16 Days of Activism Campaign, to come along to dens and spread the word about the work they do to reduce violence towards women. The Society would like to once again ask Dundee supporters to show support for this campaign, by visiting the White ribbon website, and taking the pledge to help end all forms of violence towards women here