Applications opening for new $10 million grants fund to prevent tech-based abuse of women

The Australian Government is calling for applications to fund innovative projects that help put a stop to technology-based abuse against women under a new $10 million grants program.

The Preventing Tech-based Abuse of Women Grants Program is led by the eSafety Commissioner as part of the National Plan to end violence against women and children 2022-32.

Under the initiative, non-government organisations can apply for grants of up to $500,000 to develop primary prevention projects addressing the underlying drivers, attitudes and behaviours which lead some people to use technology to stalk, threaten, control or undermine women, or carry out other violent or coercive behaviours. This tech-based abuse is also referred to as technology-facilitated abuse and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

The program is part of a package of measures confirmed by the Albanese Government in the 2022–23 October Budget, including $5 million to extend the National Online Safety Awareness Campaign, and $16.6 million for eSafety to develop a technology-facilitated abuse advisory service for victim-survivors and frontline workers.

The new grants program aims to:

• increase public awareness of the impact of tech-based abuse 
• support access to new programs and resources that address the drivers of tech-based abuse and improve women’s and children’s safety, including in specific demographic or geographic communities
• support initiatives that challenge attitudes and stereotypes which contribute to tech-facilitated abuse
• support initiatives that promote positive and respectful online behaviour and accountability in men and boys.
  

eSafety has released guidelines to help applicants prepare for Round 1 of the grants program, which opens on 18 April 2023. The guidelines are available at eSafety.gov.au/grants.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“The scale and impact of tech-based abuse in Australia today is unacceptable and the Albanese Government is taking action to end this violence by addressing its root causes.

“This $10 million funding pool will help community organisations develop innovative programs that empower women and stop perpetrators misusing technology as a weapon.

“These grants form part of our response to the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, which highlights the role technology can play in perpetuating a range of serious harms.

“Technology is being used not only as a vehicle for seriously harmful and often threatening abuse but also as a tool to control, stalk and isolate women.

“Sadly, tech-based abuse features in most family violence situations and can also have serious consequences for children’s mental health and wellbeing.”

Quotes attributable to eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant:

“Tech-based abuse of women can include anything from sending hundreds of harassing texts to tracking via GPS, spyware on iPads gifted to children, or abuse through online banking transaction references in child support payments. 

“At eSafety we’ve seen things like manipulation of home thermostats, lighting and smart TV systems, drones monitoring safe houses, and cars programmed to stall the moment they drive one kilometre beyond their home.  

“Exercised through technology, these kinds of attacks are often deeply rooted in misogyny and driven by the same behaviours and attitudes that are fuelling gendered online abuse and a rise in threatening and sexualised attacks on women and girls, particularly those in public life who risk being the victim of deliberately misleading slurs or information.

“We have seen our previous grants programs help grow strength and capacity in the Australian NGO sector and spur tremendous innovation in tackling all forms of online abuse. Being able to tackle multiple forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence through our creative advocacy sector could not come at a more opportune time.

“eSafety is looking forward to working with NGOs to create new prevention initiatives that keep women and their children safe online and offline, and complement our existing investigative and regulatory powers and educational outreach.”