DPFCC presents new kit to the Arlecdon Ewes to raise awareness on VAWG

Cumbria’s Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (DPFCC), Mike Johnson, presented the Arlecdon Ewes with their new kit as their prize following their winning entry into the Call it Out competition. The competition aimed to raise awareness around violence against women and girls (VAWG) and encourage everyone, with a focus on men, to call out misogynistic, violent behaviour towards women.

The kit was presented by the DPFCC to the team on Saturday 20 January at the Arlecdon Rugby Club.

The DPFCC and Arlecdon Ewes were joined by Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Belshaw, Lyndsay Buckle from Cumbria Family Support and Safeguarding Manager Kerry Simmons from the Rugby Football League.

DPFCC Mike Johnson, said: “I am really pleased to present the Arlecdon Ewes with their new kit that will help us raise awareness around violence against women and girls and how it is unacceptable.

“Sporting events are often viewed as a place where women either are not welcomed or are not safe and we really want to change this view and encourage sports fans, especially men, to call out the abusive and inappropriate behaviour towards women in all aspects of life.

“We can all have a lot of influence over our peers, especially men, and highlighting when a friend, family member or even a stranger is acting inappropriately or in an intimidating manner towards women may have more impact that we think.

“Congratulations to the Arlecdon Ewes, their new kit looks fantastic and I wish them all the best to wear it and to continue to highlight that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated in Cumbria.”

Rachael Naylor, Arlecdon Ewes Squad Member and Committee Representative said:

“Arlecdon Ewes are delighted not only to have won this fantastic kit, but also to be able to be associated with the #callitoutcumbria campaign.

“The slogan carries a strong important message that is sure to spark conversation wherever we are playing, and we also encourage anyone to call out any inappropriate behaviour they see on or off the pitch.

“Thank you to everyone involved in the campaign for awarding us this fantastic prize.”

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Belshaw played a central role in organising and running the competition and took part in the judging process.

DCI Belshaw said: “It’s a great pleasure to be here to see the winners receive their kits, all showing such an important message.

“This competition and its presence on social media has played a key part in further pushing out the message that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.

“It was great to see the rugby league community across Cumbria get behind this competition.

“It was also encouraging to see people sharing the posts and encouraging the teams and the way in which this important message was spread across social media.

“We’d like to thank all the teams that took part, all the clubs that backed this competition and everyone who shared or liked a post.”