Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset Football Association (FA) is proud to announce a new partnership demonstrating their commitment to creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments across grassroots football in Somerset.
The partnership will focus on raising awareness of domestic abuse, educating clubs, leagues, volunteers, coaches, players and parents, and ensuring that those affected know where to access support and specialist services.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, background or circumstance. It can occur in all types of different relationships and often extends beyond physical violence. This can include emotional, psychological, coercive, controlling and financial abuse.
Somerset Domestic Abuse Service provides confidential specialist support to men, women and children across the county, as well as advice for friends, family members and professionals who may be concerned about someone they know.
Through the partnership, Somerset Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset FA and will work together to:
- Raise awareness of domestic abuse across the football community.
- Educate clubs and volunteers on recognising the signs of abuse.
- Promote healthy, respectful relationships both on and off the pitch.
- Encourage people to seek help early and reduce the stigma around speaking out.
- Signpost individuals to local and national support services.
- Share resources, campaigns and training opportunities with clubs and leagues.
- Support both victims and survivors, as well as those seeking help to change harmful behaviours.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, said:
We are really pleased to be partnering with Somerset FA on this work, helping more people understand what domestic abuse can look like and how to seek help.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, both on and off the pitch. Football brings people together and plays a big role in communities across Somerset, so it is a powerful way to raise awareness of important issues like domestic abuse.
By working together, we can support those affected, challenge harmful behaviour and make our communities safer for everyone.
Natalie Mears, Somerset Domestic Abuse Service Manager, said:
We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Somerset FA and working together to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the services available to the Somerset community.
Dan Eustice, Somerset FA Marketing and Partnerships Lead added:
Somerset FA are delighted to be partnering with Somerset Domestic Abuse Services. We feel we have a duty of care to our footballing community across Somerset, to help raise awareness and educate people on recognising the signs of abuse. We also want to help signpost individuals to support services, as well as encourage people to speak out against abuse. Domestic abuse is not just violence – it expands way beyond that.
Support is available through the Somerset Domestic Abuse helpline on 0800 69 49 999 (open 8am–8pm, seven days a week).
Online information, advice and live chat support (open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm), can also be accessed via Somerset Domestic Abuse’s website.
In an emergency, always call 999. If you cannot speak, press 55, when prompted to be connected to the police.
Learn more about Somerset FA.
