BLUES’ ROAD TO RESPECT

Carlton Respects is the Blues’ flagship community initiative, promoting gender equality for the prevention of violence against women.

The initiative was formed in response to the alarming statistics surrounding family and domestic violence and consists of a Schools Program, Workplace Charter and AFL/AFLW awareness-raising campaigns.

The Road to Respect schools program was established to inspire a generation of young people through quality educational tools and resources to contribute to the development of positive future relationships.

The program was developed with support and advice from the Department of Education, La Trobe University and Our Watch and has seen more than 10,000 students be part of the program since it began.

Road to Respect has since expanded from a face-to-face program to an online digital learning platform, developed in partnership with Millipede, to enhance reach and accessibility and to ensure nationwide implementation.

Carlton CEO Brian Cook said he is proud to see the growth of the Carlton Respects Schools Program to incorporate the innovative new digital learning platform.

“Carlton Respects is a core part of what we deliver as a club and it drives home a message that we feel is of the utmost importance,” Cook said.

“The Road to Respect program is such a valuable initiative as it enables us to get our message into schools with the aim to stop violence before it has a chance to start.

“We hope to continue growing the Carlton Respects program with the support of the community, which enables us to spread the message around gender equality for the prevention of violence against women.”

The free program is for students in Grade 5 and 6 and aligns with the Victorian RRRR curriculum. Learnings sessions include video messages from Carlton AFL and AFLW players, an activity to enhance learning, scenario-based questions and quizzes to test knowledge.

Key lessons include managing emotions, bullying and help-seeking, being a buddy, stereotypes and values and respect.

The Road to Respect launch coincides with the eighth AFL Carlton Respects Game, which will take place against the Brisbane Lions tonight at Marvel Stadium.

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence or sexual assault, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au

Counsellors are available 24/7 for phone and web chat. In an emergency, call 000.

If you are in a position to help, a donation to the Carlton Respects program would be greatly appreciated to assist in continuing the work in the gender equality space. Donate via carltonrespects.raisely.com/ For all Carlton Respects inquiries, contact community@carltonfc.com.au