The Albanese Government is investing $3.5 million in 12 innovative projects designed to address technology-facilitated abuse.
A key focus of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children, this insidious form of abuse involves using social media, online tools and websites to harass, threaten, stalk and control women and children.
Funded through Round 3 of the $10 million Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program, administered by the eSafety Commissioner, the projects address a range of online abuse, from digital financial abuse to nudification and impersonation.
The funded projects will equip women and girls with the knowledge and skills to recognise, prevent and respond to technology-facilitated abuse, with a focus on supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls, people with disability, women from multicultural backgrounds, and older Australians.
This round also includes $1 million for four projects aimed at creating positive online experiences for boys and young men, which also support them to challenge narratives that equate masculinity to dominating women.
The latest round of funding builds on a $6.5 million investment in 16 projects since 2023.
For more information about the Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program, visit: Grants programs | eSafety Commissioner
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
“The use of online tools to abuse and control women and girls is a growing and alarming harm.
“Women and girls should be able to use social media, do their banking and use a running app without fear of doxxing, deepfakes or serious harm.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe online – that’s why the Albanese Government is introducing a Digital Duty of Care, banning nudify apps and building digital literacy for all Australians, including through projects like these.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“All the experts I speak to, the parents and even the police will tell you that there is a link between what young people are being fed online and the harms that are crossing over into the real world.
“We cannot ignore the role that big tech is playing in normalising misogyny and exposing young people to harmful content at increasingly young ages.
“As technology evolves, so do the methods used by perpetrators – we’re seeing new frontiers of abuse emerge every day.
“That's why as part of our record $4.4 billion to tackle violence against women and children, we’re investing in important projects like this and undertaking world-leading reforms that will create a safer digital world.”
Quotes attributable to eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant:
“This round of grantees reflects both the breadth and depth of the challenge we’re seeking to address, from AI-facilitated coercive control and deepfake abuse to digital financial dependence, harmful online masculinities, and tech-based abuse affecting First Nations peoples, women with disability, culturally diverse communities and people living in regional areas.
“These successful organisations bring deep expertise, trusted community relationships and innovative prevention approaches to some of the most complex and emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse.
“The need is clearly great, and the quality of the applications has never been higher. We are confident these thoughtful projects will have a positive impact on their communities and could serve as test beds for future successful programs at scale.
“What is clear is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Lasting change requires innovation grounded in lived experience and community-level engagement that can drive practical, culturally relevant and scalable interventions where they are needed most.”