At a time when women are being killed and the country is in the midst of an epidemic of violence against women, hosting an artist whose lyrics promote violence, is dangerous and ill considered.
The Grand Final is an Australian institution that is supported by governments, businesses and the broader community. It is billed as a family friendly event that attracts millions of viewers across the country – many of them children.
The AFL, and especially its roots into community sport, is in a position to make a strong stand supporting efforts to prevent violence against women. In the past it has. However, the true test of the AFL’s commitment is whether it can use its considerable influence and platform in the Grand Final to truly make a stand – hosting Snoop Dogg is a failure of this commitment.
Organisations that respond to, intervene in and prevent violence against women are at breaking point due to the magnitude of this epidemic. We know that many response organisations will be busy, as they always are, during the Grand Final – a time where we traditionally see an increase in rates of violence.
Promoting violence through hosting an artist that has openly talked about and made money from violence against women is a serious error of judgement that we call on the AFL to fix immediately.
Signed: Respect Victoria, Gender Lens Australia, Safe and Equal, Women's Health in the South East (WHISE)
If you are experiencing family violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance.
If you need support or advice, please reach out to a recommended specialist support service.