Call It Out – On Field and Off Field

At HALT, we believe preventing family harm and violence starts with the culture we create around us every day. It starts with what we are prepared to accept, what we challenge, and how we treat one another.

That is why HALT has launched Call It Out – On Field and Off Field.

Violence doesn't always begin with a serious physical assault. It can be seen in aggressive behaviour, intimidation, threats, bullying, abuse, controlling behaviour and the way we speak to and treat others. Sometimes these behaviours are dismissed as "just banter", "part of the game", "boys being boys" or something that should simply be ignored.

But when we see harmful behaviour and do nothing, we can unintentionally send the message that it is okay.

Over time, what we see and tolerate can become normal.

Why this campaign?

Sport and community activities are an important part of life for many people. They bring us together, build connections and create opportunities for people to feel a sense of belonging. They should be places where people feel safe, supported and respected.

The values we learn and demonstrate on the field don't have to stop when the game ends. Respect, teamwork, fairness and looking out for one another matter off the field too.

HALT wants to encourage people to think about the behaviours they see around them and recognise that everyone has a role to play in preventing violence. We don't have to be the person directly experiencing violence to make a difference.

Sometimes, calling it out might mean saying, "That's not okay."

Sometimes it might mean checking in with someone who doesn't seem safe, supporting a friend, speaking to a coach or trusted person, or getting help when it is needed.

And sometimes it means looking at our own behaviour and asking ourselves whether the way we communicate and interact with others is contributing to a safe and respectful environment.

What are we hoping to achieve?

Through Call It Out, HALT wants to help create a community where violence is recognised for what it is and is not accepted as normal behaviour.

We want to encourage conversations about what healthy, respectful interactions look like and give people the confidence to challenge behaviours that can contribute to a culture of violence.

Most importantly, we want people to understand that preventing violence is everyone's responsibility.

When more of us speak up, support each other and refuse to accept violence and harmful behaviour, we can start to change the culture around us.

This campaign is not about blaming people. It is about creating safer environments, encouraging positive behaviour and giving our community permission to say, "That's not okay here."

On the field. Off the field. Everywhere.

Whether you're playing sport, watching from the sidelines, coaching a team, working, socialising, at home or simply going about your day, the way we treat each other matters.

Let's make respect the norm.

Let's make safety the norm.

Let's make healthy relationships the norm.

And when we see behaviour that crosses the line, let's Call It Out.

Everyone deserves to be safe. Violence is not okay.