Bournemouth Football Club's Commitment to Tackling Violence Against Women

Bournemouth football club has been praised after releasing an 'insanely realistic' video highlighting women's unease walking alone at night. The Cherries released the clip featuring a female Bournemouth fan making her way home from a match, receiving overwhelming response for its accurate depiction.

The club has promised further action against violence towards women and is now an official supporter of the White Ribbon charity, which aims to engage men and boys in altering harmful attitudes towards women.

"A walk from the football might not be so simple for everybody..."

The video contrasts the experiences of a female and male fan returning home after a game. The woman contemplates leaving early to avoid walking alone in the dark, sending her location to her father before deciding to leave.

"It's getting dark, should I leave early? I'll ask Dad."

In contrast, the male fan is only concerned with the match result. As daylight fades, the female fan worries about finding someone to accompany her or feeling threatened by others around her.

"Why is that man staring at me?" she wonders when noticing a male fan looking in her direction.

Despite feeling threatened, it turns out he was merely admiring her outfit. Her journey continues anxiously as she avoids unlit paths and feels relieved when potential threats prove harmless.

"I've had a car pull alongside me... It's scary and very real," shared one viewer reflecting on personal experiences.

A Broader Issue: Violence Against Women Declared National Emergency

Violence against women was declared a national emergency in England and Wales earlier this year due to rising cases of stalking, harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence. The NPCC report highlights unreported cases as part of this issue's extent.

Efforts by Bournemouth FC

• Workshops for school-aged boys on healthy masculinity and relationships.
• Female operational officers present at games for enhanced safety measures.
• Support White Ribbon Day with training sessions focusing on allyship responsibilities.
• A separate event addressing violence against women will be hosted at Vitality Stadium with local secondary schools participating through workshops led by Solve organization experts.

Leyla Buran, Campaigns Manager at White Ribbon stated:

"Understanding men's allyship towards women attending matchdays ensures women's enjoyment/accessibility."

Bournemouth FC Head of Management Hannah Powis, emphasized:

"To see change we must focus on next generations changing behaviors/patterns."

The club remains committed through collaborations like those with Dorset Police ensuring AFC Bournemouth prioritizes women's safety significantly during matches henceforth!