Stoke City in talks with EFL to get English clubs supporting victims of domestic abuse

Stoke City Football Club say they're in talks with England's main football league to try and get other English clubs pledging to support victims of domestic abuse.

The club sat down with Planet Rock News after announcing that they had become the first football club in England to sign-up to the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant.

It means The Potters have committed to an action plan to offer things like a safe space, job security and flexible working, and opportunities to ensure victims achieve long-term financial independence and economic security.

Adrian Hurst, Head of Community at Stoke City FC told Planet Rock News:

"We've had a discussion on how and what the approach might be. The first point of call what we're going to do is - we've been speaking to the EFL (English Football League) and looking at potentially how they can join the covenant, and then that might set a precedent for other clubs across the country to join this space as well."

Adrian said: "Once a football club joins a space I think it's very easy to say everyone else should be doing it. But this has to be a conscious decision for any club that wants to do that.

"I know for a fact there are other clubs doing this work. "

"We're not just going to talk the talk we're going to walk the walk as well."

The covenant is a pledge taken by businesses to support those affected by domestic abuse to enter, remain or re-enter the workplace.

Mims Davies MP, Minister for Disabled People, Health & Work said: “It is fantastic to see Stoke City supporting domestic abuse survivors by signing up to the covenant and I strongly encourage other employers and sectors who haven’t already to do the same and join in helping to make positive change.

"The financial security and health benefits steady employment brings are essential for survivors’ recovery and progression forward, and working with organisations like Stoke City, we will continue to do everything we can to support them."

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