JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Hon Michaelia Cash
Minister for Women
28 October 2016
The Turnbull Government has announced the development of a new online reporting tool which will allow victims to report cases of non-consensual sharing of intimate images (commonly referred to as ‘revenge porn’) and to access immediate and tangible support.
The announcement forms part of a suite of measures in the Coalition Government’s Third Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022, which is backed by $100 million in Australian Government funding.
Funding totalling $4.8 million will go towards the development of a national online reporting tool to help counter the effects of non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
Unfortunately, non-consensual sharing of intimate images has become increasingly common due to the proliferation of smartphones and social media. Victims are typically young people.
The online reporting tool will be managed by the Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner, which has already established a successful online portal to assist victims of cyberbullying. The new reporting tool is expected to be launched next year.
The Commissioner also manages the existing eSafetyWomen website, established with a $2.1 million funding commitment from the Turnbull Government’s Women’s Safety Package announced in September 2015. eSafetyWomen offers a range of resources to help women manage technology risks and abuse by giving them the tools they need to be confident when online.
For a range of resources for staying safe online and extensive advice for those who may have experienced non-consensual sharing of intimate images, visit www.esafety.gov.au.