Croydon’s work to help change attitudes to domestic violence and sexual abuse has gained recognition with the Premier League.
The league is working with the British Council, UK and Kenyan partners to develop a pilot programme that uses football to tackle issues of violence against women and girls in Kenya.
A delegation from Kenya will meet with representatives from the Crystal Palace Football Foundation and Croydon Council at the team’s grounds on Tuesday to share ideas and learn from each other’s experiences.
Crystal Palace Football Foundation is continuing its work with the council to promote the values of the White Ribbon campaign, which encourages men to end violence against women.
This includes education programmes, and publicising the campaign’s aims in match-day programmes and with supporters at half time.
“This meeting will be a great opportunity to learn valuable insight from each other on how best to work with victims of domestic abuse, and how to change hearts and minds against this offence.”
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for communities, safety and justice
Foundation head Donald Ford said: “The White Ribbon campaign has a clear message that domestic violence and sexual abuse should not be tolerated, and we are happy to continue our support for this work, which benefits our immediate and surrounding communities and the wider world.”
Croydon is also seeking support to establish a national register of DV offenders to help the council and police tackle the symptoms and causes of domestic violence far more effectively.
The petition, requesting the government creates a national register of domestic abuse offenders, now has almost 2,000 signatures, but needs more support.
Some 100,000 signatures are needed for this issue to be debated in the House of Commons.
To sign, go to http://goo.gl/8lt2Dq
