AFL Introduces Set Of Guidelines Aimed At Protecting Women

The Australian Football League released a "sweeping new set of guidelines aimed at protecting women," according to Melissa Cunningham of THE AGE. The policy comes "almost two years after the league promised a review," following revelations that Richmond player Dustin Martin "threatened a woman with a chopstick." The AFL confirmed the policy was handed to clubs on Wednesday. It establishes "concrete guidelines" for clubs and the AFL. The policy includes setting up an anonymous harassment complaints portal on its website and paying for counseling and support for complainants "with scope for the AFL integrity team to take action over a Respect and Responsibility breach even in the absence of a complaint" (THE AGE, 11/16).