Our Watch calls for action to prevent violence against women this AFL Grand Final weekend
Our Watch
Ahead of the AFL Grand Final long weekend, national prevention organisation Our Watch is calling on the sporting community to do their part to stop gender-based violence before it starts.
Domestic violence services are bracing for a 20 percent rise in calls over the Grand Final long weekend. In 2024, Victoria Police recorded 796 family violence incidents over that period.
The figures reflect ongoing concerns about increased reports of family violence around major sporting events. An analysis conducted during the 2026 FIFA World Cup reported a Vancouver-based domestic violence support service experienced a 37.2% increase in specialised service contacts.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly said the lead-up to the 2026 AFL Grand Final was an important opportunity to strengthen understanding of why gender-based violence occurs and how it can be prevented.
“Sport is an important part of Australia’s cultural fabric, and everyone should be able to celebrate major finals safely,” Ms Kinnersly said.
“For some women and children, this weekend brings increased risk of violence at home. Sport is not the cause of this violence. Amid a national crisis of violence against women, it’s never been more important for sporting leaders to step up and use their influence for good.”
Our Watch is calling on sporting organisations use their platform and standing to model good behaviour, ensure their policies take a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, and provide opportunities for women to participate and lead in their community.
Ms Kinnersly said clubs at every level can help build spaces where equality and respect are built into everyday practice.
“Sporting leaders influence how people understand respect and what behaviour they see as acceptable. Players, coaches and club leaders have a responsibility to play their part in creating safe environments for women.” she said.
“Supporters are a part of this, too. Speaking up when a mate makes a disrespectful comment about women, when it is safe to do so, helps challenge attitudes that otherwise allow harmful behaviours to go unquestioned.”
Ms Kinnersly said prevention efforts must continue beyond the finals.
“While it’s important to take time this week to consider how we make Grand Final celebrations safe for all, it’s also crucial that we continue these conversations well beyond the football season,” she said.
“By making equality and respect part of how we lead, participate in and support our teams, we can help prevent violence against women.”
About us:
Our Watch is Australia’s leader in the primary prevention of violence against women. The organisation was created to drive nation-wide change in the practices, norms, and structures that lead to violence against women and children. Read more about Our Watch here.
Contact details:
Please contact [email protected] or call 0448 844 930.
Our Watch CEO Patty Kinnersly will have some media availability on Wednesday September 23rd and Thursday September 24th 2026.
If you cover this story, or any story regarding violence against women and children, please include the following tagline:
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via www.1800RESPECT.org.au, or text 0458 737 732. Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491.
