The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) has partnered with the Australian eSafety Commissioner to crack down on image-based abuse through a new social media campaign.
DCJ said the campaign provided advice and support to people who’d had intimate digital content shared without their consent.
Minister for Women, Bronnie Taylor said women aged 18 to 24 were among those most at risk but warned it could happen to anyone regardless of age, sexual orientation, race, religion, or socio-economic status.
“Sharing an intimate image or video of someone without their clear consent is never ok,” Mrs Taylor said.
“We want people to know exactly what to do if they fall victim to this appalling act,” she said.
“This campaign highlights everything you need to know about image-based abuse, from reporting an offence to accessing counselling and having images or videos removed from social media and search engines.”
Mrs Taylor said reports to eSafety of image-based abuse increased by 172 per cent between March and September this year when compared to the same period last year.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said image-based abuse took many forms, including threats to share intimate images or videos and digitally altering material to appear sexual or nude.
eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant said it would take a community effort to stop the behaviour.
“Parents, carers, friends, partners or siblings – we can all create positive change to stop image-based abuse by calling out anyone misusing intimate content,” Ms Inman Grant said.
The Commissioner said those experiencing abuse could report it to eSafety or call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 support and referrals.
eSafety’s reporting website can be accessed at this PS News link.
