Premier League football club AFC Bournemouth has strengthened its partnership with Dorset Police aimed at tackling issues around violence against women and girls (VAWG).
Representatives from Dorset Police recently visited the club to give a training input on VAWG related issues to its concourse staff. The aim of the day was to provide them with information and advice on how to spot the signs of offences and support victims, as well as encouraging reporting to police.
Further input was given to hospitality staff ahead of the team’s fixture against Liverpool on February 1.
PRIORITY
The inputs build on ties already forged, which has seen Dorset Police support a video created by the club during the 16 Days of Action Activism against gender-based violence in November 2024 to raise awareness of VAWG issues through the eyes of a female fan.
The partnership work has also seen the introduction of two female operational football officers who regularly attend AFC Bournemouth matches.
Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, Dorset Police’s lead for VAWG, said: “As we mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for the Force. We have been delighted to work with AFC Bournemouth to raise these issues and increase awareness amongst fans of all genders attending their fixtures.
COMMITMENT
“By delivering this training to matchday staff, it builds on the already close working between the club and our officers at AFC Bournemouth’s games and strengthens our commitment to ensuring women and girls can enjoy the occasion and feel safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset, David Sidwick said: “I commend the work of the Force and AFC Bournemouth in collaborating to tackle violence against women and girls on a very real level.
“Training matchday staff so they know the signs to look out for and adding the operational football officers, will make a tangible difference to the safety and security of all fans who attend the Vitality Stadium. The joint working approach will also raise awareness of this important issue which will benefit football fans and wider society.
“It is not up to women to continually find ways to ‘stay safe’. We need to push for societal change and tackle deep issues which lead to so many men committing crimes against women.
BEHAVIOUR
“Getting to the root of this behaviour is the only way we can deal with the issue of violence against women and girls for the sake of our future generations. I acknowledge many offences committed against women and girls go unreported, so I would strongly encourage anyone who has been the victim of an offence to come forward and get the help and support that’s waiting for you.”
AFC Bournemouth Head of Safeguarding Meredith Hack said: “We’re very grateful to have such a strong partnership with Dorset Police, and are proud of what we have achieved together in discussing some very important topics. The various education sessions undertaken will really help our matchday staff in knowing how to approach potentially sensitive circumstances in the most appropriate way."
AFC Bournemouth Head of EDI & Engagement, Hannah Powis said: “The dedicated resource that we have allocated to helping tackle the issues around violence against women and girls has formed a key part of our season-long campaign to show everybody that our club is a safe and welcome space for female supporters, and this week’s work reinforces that.”
