Editor’s note: This letter contains content about sexual assault, violence and harassment.
ANOTHER day, another damming insight into the repugnant nature of some Australians who choose to be abusive and violent online.
According to a recent study by the Australian Institute of Criminology, 75 per cent of the 9987 dating app users have experienced sexual violence or harassment.
One in three people have been the victim of sexual assault or harassment in person.
Users reported multiple instances of sexual violence both online and in person from various offenders, indicating that the abuse was not isolated.
It should come as no surprise that current or former intimate partners are abusing online communications technology to stalk, threaten, monitor, and harass victims.
Not when you consider that domestic violence affects one in six Australian women.
Technology-facilitated abuse is on the rise, enabling offenders to harass victims round-the-clock, making the abuse even more intrusive.
How can we address this? It starts with the person who chooses to do the offending.
The issue of online harassment and abuse requires every Australian to step up and act as engaged citizens of the digital ecosystem, learning about the issue, calling out friends who engage in these behaviours and not accepting it either online or anywhere else.
We can play our part to stop abuse, harassment, and inequality by urging internet and social media service providers to act as morally responsible digital corporate citizens, by establishing clear community conduct and service standards, and by being ready to en- force them when they are violated.
In addition, we need to build a well-resourced ‘village’ to support young people to feel comfortable saying ‘no’, stopping a conversation, using block and report features, and learning about the support offered by the eSafety Commissioner, particularly when it comes to seeking help.
We cannot allow laws alone to reassure us that young people will be safe on apps and the growing number of social media platforms at their fingertips.
We can no longer just sit back in hope that children and young people will make the right choices, we need to make sure they’re equipped to say ‘no’, step away, seek help and take action when required.
Allan Ball, White Ribbon Australia national director
If you need to talk to someone, reach out for help.
eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au/report
1800Respect: 1800 737 732 or 1800respect.org.au
Lifeline: 131 114 or lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
