Canberra’s most successful sports team is championing domestic violence awareness on a national scale this season, alongside the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and fellow clubs. Photo: UC Capitals.
The figures surrounding violence against women in Australia paint a grim picture.
One in four women has experienced abuse at the hands of a current or former partner. One woman every nine days is killed by them.
This season, Australian women’s basketball clubs are standing together in defiance, to break the silence that surrounds domestic and family violence across the nation.
It’s an initiative that started right here in Canberra three seasons ago, with beloved local sports stars, the UC Capitals.
American import Nicole Munger moved proudly on court with her teammates during the league’s very first Domestic Violence Awareness Round, at the National Convention Centre Canberra in 2023. They were led by teammate Alex Bunton, who opened up publicly about her own experience with domestic violence in 2022.
The initiative has since been picked up by the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) and Australian Basketball Players Association (ABPA).
“Domestic and family violence is a huge problem in Australia, but it still isn’t talked about enough,” Nicole said.
“We have undergone education sessions as a team and heard lots of lived experiences, which honestly were really eye-opening and sad. This is definitely a national crisis.
“Our goal for the remainder of this season is to show any and all women out there experiencing this sort of abuse that they are not alone and there are people out there who will fight for them.”
Players have displayed a purple band on their singlet each gameday and will continue to do so until the end of the season, in a league-wide show of support.
The 2024/25 season is Nicole Munger’s third playing for the Caps. Photo: UC Capitals.
The WNBL has also joined forces with Full Stop Australia, a leading response and recovery service for those experiencing sexual, domestic and family violence.
Together they will work to raise awareness and funds, and provide links for audience members to support services via information and call-outs at every game.
“As a leading women’s sporting team, it’s our job to support other women as best we can and use our unique platform for good,” Nicole said.
“If you’re at one of our games this season, whether you have been impacted by this sort of violence or not, know that you are part of a movement to stop it at its source.
“Let’s celebrate women’s strength and get an in-depth conversation going about domestic and family violence to break the silence surrounding it.”
The Caps aim to not only inspire awareness this season, but action as well, alongside all athletes in the national league.
“Any form of violence against women and girls is unacceptable and the UC Capitals represent, support and value women and girls to be strong leaders, great communicators and valued team members,” general manager Lucille Bailie said.
“We encourage women and girls to talk to their teammates, friends and support networks regularly and to seek advice and assistance when needed.”
Show your support for this initiative at an upcoming game by wearing something purple. Tickets available via Ticketek.
For more information, shareable resources and links to assistance, visit Full Stop Australia.
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