Organizers of a B.C. Lions-supported program that tackles reducing violence against women said yesterday they hope the success of the B.C. program over the next two years will help it expand across Canada.

The Encana Corporation along with the municipalities of Vancouver and Surrey came on board as partners in the Be More Than a Bystander campaign yesterday at B.C. Place.

“The re-launch of this program is essential,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This program will break the silence providing the tools, language and training to know what to do.”

The campaign will visit 40 schools with B.C. Lions players, who will educate students and provide training for coaches on how to prevent and react to violence against women.

Tracy Porteous, executive director of Ending Violence Association of B.C., said the program aims to use the iconic status of the players to teach children and men that their tough appearance on-field does not transfer to their behaviour toward women.

“Considering that men commit 98 per cent of crimes of violence against women, it is their issue,” Porteous said.

“The solution needs to come from everyone.”