A research report highlighting the complex experiences of technology-facilitated abuse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from regional and remote areas has been released by eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.
Ms Inman Grant said the Report, Can I just share my story: Experiences of technology-facilitated abuse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women from regional and remote areas, commissioned by eSafety in 2020 from the Australian National University, was informed by yarning sessions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and interviews with frontline workers.
“We know that women are disproportionately affected by all forms of online abuse,” Ms Inman Grant said.
“But for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, technology-facilitated abuse, especially as an extension of real-world family violence, are at much higher rates than the general population,” she said.
Ms Inman Grant said the research found the most common abusive behaviour experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in remote or regional areas was through online threats.
The Commissioner said harassment, stalking, monitoring, sharing of intimate images without consent and impersonation were also reported as common forms of technology-facilitated abuse.
Ms Inman Grant said the research also identified complexities associated with addressing the abuse, including that the women may be at greater risk due to low levels of awareness and a lack of accessible education programs and support services.
“Additionally, the research found that while close social networks and kinship structures are a source of strength in Indigenous communities, it can make it easier for perpetrators to gather information and locate women who have previously fled abusive situations,” she said.
“It can also increase the potential for violence to be perpetrated on the women by multiple abusers in the community.”
Ms Inman Grant said the findings highlighted the unique and complicated elements of technology-facilitated abuse that required special consideration and tailored responses.
eSafety’s 93-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link.
