The Bulldogs have committed to fines and suspension for any breaches a domestic violence code of conduct as part of their  participation in the NSW government’s Tackling Violence program in 2016.

The club is also taking part in education programs with the community and will wear the Tackling Violence logo on the front of their jerseys.

Bulldogs players Ryan Walker, Lachlan Hill, club captain Ben Edwards and Reid Alchin joined former Newcastle Knights player Clint Newton and Tackling Violence educator Ashlee Donohue to deliver a workshop to students at Kurri Kurri High on Thursday.

The workshop talked about safe and unsafe relationships and how to identify warning signs that might indicate a teen relationship is heading in the wrong direction.

“The schools’ program uses rugby league drills to help the kids understand and reinforce some of the concepts that underpin domestic violence,” Newton said.

Newton, who is a White Ribbon ambassador, said the Kurri players demonstrated the commitment the club is making to stamp out domestic violence.

“In 2015, 21 women in NSW were killed by a current or former partner,” Newton said.

“The rates of violence against women in the Hunter are already high and they are rising.

“Men are responsible for the violence and as men we have to set the standard for women and children’s safety in our communities.

“I’m not talking to the footy club because it’s a rugby league problem. I’m talking to the footy club because they have respect in the community and they can stand together and do something about it.”

As part of the Tackling Violence sponsorship the Bulldogs will wear with players and officials signing a code of conduct that penalises them for domestic violence offences.

Bulldogs secretary Jeff Polglase made the approach to get the club into the program after watching its impact with another Newcastle club, the Macquarie Scorpions.

“We want to be a club that the community is proud of,” Polglase said.

“Winning is one way of making the club successful, but standing up against violence and being role models for the young fellas in this community is just as important.

“Domestic violence is an issue in every community and the Bulldogs want to be a part of doing something about it.”

Students Lucy Power, Chloe Lynch and Olivia Wilson said they welcomed the program’s message and it was great to see the Bulldogs get behind it.

“I think the Bulldogs involvement in the workshop has a bigger impact for the students,” Chloe said.