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Fitness franchise, 9Round kickboxing clubs are collaborating with not-for-profit RizeUp to shed light on Australia’s domestic violence epidemic, and to raise funds and awareness for Australian and New Zealand families seeking refuge from abusive relationships.

COVID-19 has heightened the threat of domestic violence for many at risk Australians and New Zealanders due to loss of income, working and schooling from home, and are disconnected from their support networks. Not-for-profit RizeUp has been inundated with a 20% increase in calls for help and local magistrates have been flooded with cases.  

This rise in incidents is extremely alarming given pre-pandemic, 1 in 6 Australian women had experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner. On top of this almost ten women per day were hospitalised for assault injuries perpetrated by a spouse or domestic partner. The collaboration will also help launch RizeUp in New Zealand, which as reported in The Guardian has one of the highest rates of sexual and domestic violence in the developed world, with police responding to a family violence incident every four minutes. Family violence is estimated to cost the country between NZ$4.1 billion and $7 billion a year.

In response to these shocking statistics, 9Round clubs across the country are working to raise $10,000 to support families in need. The kickboxing gyms are encouraging their community to get involved by donating required items to the clubs which will become drop-off zones from 18th November to 18th December.  

Chris Caldwell, Chief Executive of Lift Brands - the parent brand for fitness franchise 9Round -  notes “RizeUp and 9Round both share values of strength, liberation and community. We are both determined to bring the issue of domestic violence across Australia and New Zealand to light through awareness and practical support. RizeUp do incredible work in supporting and rehabilitating those brave enough to make an escape, empowering families.”

RizeUp founder and Chief Executive, Nicolle Edwards added “RizeUp was created out of a need to provide support for those fleeing domestic violence. We offer much needed practical support through the donations and physical efforts of our corporate partners, like our collaboration with 9Round.”

Image courtesy of 9round North Perth 

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