Batemans Bay Tigers participate in NSW Tackling Violence rugby league program

Tackling Violence is a NSW Government community education, early intervention and prevention program using regional rugby league clubs to promote changed attitudes and behaviours to domestic violence.

This year the Tigers was one of 18 NSW clubs – the first in the South Coast region – to sign on to the five-year program. It adopts a ‘no tolerance’ for domestic violence related offences for its members, with anyone found guilty automatically stood down.

The club also put the ‘Tackling Violence’ logo on its jerseys and senior players participated in a domestic violence education session presented by former NRL players Alan Tongue and Nathan Merritt earlier this year.

Tiger Shane Chatfield has a young son coming through the club and could not be more supportive of the initiative.

He said Alan Tongue’s presentation “really brought it home”.

“Two women every week are dying (from domestic violence) in Australia,” he said.

“I’ve got a young daughter and my wife is pregnant as well with a girl on the way. The statistics are quite concerning.

“I think it’s great what this club’s done – it’s a step in the right direction and I reckon all clubs should get on board.”

First grade captain/coach Mason Harrison hopes the club’s ‘no tolerance’ approach works like peer pressure in reverse.

“Being a footballer, being angry on the field is what it’s all about,” he said.

“It’s really to educate the younger boys and some of the guys in the club that don’t know much about domestic violence and how to control their own anger.”

Tigers president John McAlister is encouraging other clubs, not just those in rugby league, to take a stance against domestic violence.

“We were the first team in Group 16 and in this region to take this on and now it’s going to Bega Roosters (next year),” he said.

“We’re hoping other clubs will all see the value in this.

“It’s about pride in your own community.”