LABOR ESTABLISHES SENATE INQUIRY INTO REVENGE PORN

Labor and the crossbench have successfully referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee an Inquiry which will examine the issue of “revenge porn”, sharing private sexual images and recordings of a person without their consent.

Labor is concerned about the impact of “revenge porn” on victims and in the Australian community more broadly.

According to the Digital Harassment and Abuse of Adult Australians Report, one in ten Australians reported that someone had posted online or forwarded to others a nude or semi-nude image of them, without their permission.

“Revenge porn” is not just embarrassing, it is a horrible sexual violation that can cause serious ongoing harm to a person’s career, relationships and mental health. It is increasingly being used to exercise power and control over victims of family violence and to prevent victims of family violence from leaving abusive relationships.

The Inquiry will look into potential policy responses to the problem, including both civil and criminal legal measures.

While “revenge porn” can affect both men and women, the majority of victims are women.

We must tackle the scourge of family violence and ensure that women are not subjected to abuse, assault and harassment.
CATRYNA BILYK SENATOR FOR TASMANIA DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE