Futures Without Violence Applauds National Football League for Taking First Step Toward Curbing Domestic Violence
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 28, 2014 -- Futures Without Violence (FUTURES) commends the National Football League (NFL) for demonstrating leadership on the issue of domestic violence, following a meeting with top violence prevention leaders last week. A letter distributed by Commissioner Roger Goodell today outlining tougher penalties for domestic violence-related violations, serves as a good first step in addressing the League’s longstanding history with the issue.
“We’re pleased to have the opportunity to work with the NFL to help elevate their leadership in preventing violence against women,” said FUTURES President and Founder Esta Soler. “While harsher penalties for players are necessary, it’s only step one to curbing domestic and sexual violence. Real transformation will require prevention-based solutions rooted in education and the promotion of mutual respect.”
The letter comes on the heels of a highly-publicized domestic violence incident in which Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice received a two-game suspension after a striking his then-girlfriend unconscious in a hotel elevator. In response to public and media outrage about the minimal penalty, the NFL reconsidered their policies, and convened a small group of gender-based violence experts and, advocates ,—including Futures Without Violence president Esta Soler, and Board member Peter Harvey—to discuss meaningful strategies to prevent violence against women.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the NFL and hope to help them implement programs and trainings focused on education,” said Soler. “Changing how our society at large views violence against women is critical, and will require the engagement of players, NFL staff, and fans.”
ABOUT US:
For more than 30 years, Futures Without Violence has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations who are working to end violence against women and children around the world. We partner with advocates, educators, policy makers and many others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships.
Marsha Robertson, Futures Without Violence, http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org, 415.678-5617, [email protected]
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