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Articles by Bianca Fileborn
Current Issues in Criminal Justice, Volume 38, Issue 4 (2026)
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Older women experience sexual violence too, but their stories rarely make the news
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The reality of sexual violence against older women is an issue that remains significantly underreported and misrepresented in Australia. Almost 50 sexual assaults occur every week in aged care. Sexual assault against older women is commonly perpetrated by intimate partners or someone they know. But these realities remain largely hidden from public view.
Archiving digital activism against sexual violence: the challenges for ethical witnessing in research practice
ABSTRACT In 2017, #MeToo swept the world—calling attention to the pervasiveness of sexual violence. In 2022, we published an article highlighting the “digital footprints” left by previous digital feminist campaigns that we argued made #MeToo intelligible. We concluded with a call for scholars to build an archive of digital feminist activism against sexual violence—a call we took up ourselves.
Why we must listen to Kesha with a ‘feminist ear’
In 2017 Kesha released ‘Praying’. If you haven’t heard it yet, we encourage you to listen to it, and listen empathetically, with your ‘feminist ear’. Have you listened? Good. Let’s think about what it means. Kesha sings emotionally of the pain she has endured, and with her powerful, soulful voice she revels and delights in her newfound creative freedom, having cut ties with her alleged abuser and former producer. When she hits that high F in her whistle register? Wow! She is in full control.
How should fans respond to musical abusers?
By Catherine Strong, Bianca Fileborn and Paige Klimentou The perennial question of what to do with musicians and their work when they are found to have been abusive has arisen again this week, as distressing video footage of rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs assaulting his then girlfriend Cassandra Ventura in a hotel in 2016 was released by CNN. Last year, Combs settled a lawsuit brought against him by Ventura, which accused him of sexual and physical violence over the course of more than a decade.
Diddy is just the latest in a long line of musical abusers. How should fans respond?
The perennial question of what to do with musicians and their work when they are found to have been abusive has arisen again this week, as distressing video footage of rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs assaulting his then girlfriend Cassandra Ventura in a hotel in 2016 was released by CNN. Last year, Combs settled a lawsuit brought against him by Ventura, which accused him of sexual and physical violence over the course of more than a decade.
The government has announced the scope of its sexual violence inquiry. Here’s what it gets right (and what it doesn’t)
This week, the government announced the start of its promised inquiry into justice responses to sexual violence. The terms of reference were developed from national discussions last year. Federal, state and territory ministers took part, as well as victim-survivors and advocates. For many with experience and expertise in the area, the challenges highlighted were nothing new.
'He just kept going'-why you might snap back, freeze or ignore street harassment
As someone who has spent the last decade researching sexual harassment and violence in public spaces, the question I'm commonly asked is: "What advice should I give my teenage daughter about what to do when she's harassed by men in public? " This question is, of course, completely understandable. We all want our loved ones to feel safe when they're out in public.
'He just kept going' - why you might snap back, freeze or ignore street harassment
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'He just kept going' – why you might snap back, freeze or ignore street harassment
As someone who has spent the last decade researching sexual harassment and violence in public spaces, the question I’m commonly asked is: This question is, of course, completely understandable. We all want our loved ones to feel safe when they’re out in public. Women and LGBTQ+ people experience high levels of harassment in public (though it is always important to remember gender-based violence is most likely to be perpetrated at home by someone you know).
'He just kept going' - why you might snap back, freeze or ignore street harassment
Fri Jun 16 Written by Bianca Fileborn, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Melbourne As someone who has spent the last decade researching sexual harassment and violence in public spaces, the question I’m commonly asked is: This question is, of course, completely understandable. We all want our loved ones to feel safe when they’re out in public.
banyak perempuan muda pertama kali alami pelecehan di jalan saat memakai seragam
Apakah kamu ingat saat pertama kali mengalami pelecehan di ruang publik? Apa yang muncul di benak kamu? Apakah kamu ingat saat itu umur berapa, atau kamu sedang apa? Bisa jadi juga, kamu belum pernah mengalami ini. Di negara seperti Australia, tempat kami mengajar, sebanyak 87% perempuan muda sudah pernah mengalami pelecehan di tempat umum.
Many Young Women First Experience Street Harassment in Their School Uniforms - Magdalene.co
Can you remember the first time you were harassed in a public space? What comes to mind? Can you remember how old you were, or what you were doing? Perhaps this is not something you have personally experienced, although we know 87 percent of young Australian women have been harassed in public. We spoke to 47 adult women and LGBTQ+ people in our recent study on street-based and public harassment about their earliest memories of feeling sexualised, uncomfortable or unsafe on the street.
'I started walking the long way': Many young women first experience street harassment in their school uniforms Original
Can you remember the first time you were harassed in a public space? What comes to mind? Can you remember how old you were, or what you were doing? Perhaps this is not something you have personally experienced, although we know 87% of young Australian women have been harassed in public. We spoke to 47 adult women and LGBTQ+ people in our recent study on street-based and public harassment about their earliest memories of feeling sexualized, uncomfortable or unsafe on the street.
many young women first experience street harassment in their school uniforms
Can you remember the first time you were harassed in a public space? What comes to mind? Can you remember how old you were, or what you were doing? Perhaps this is not something you have personally experienced, although we know 87% of young Australian women have been harassed in public. We spoke to 47 adult women and LGBTQ+ people in our recent study on street-based and public harassment about their earliest memories of feeling sexualised, uncomfortable or unsafe on the street.
‘The reporting process was more traumatising than the assault itself’: LGBTQ+ survivors on accessing support after sexual violence
Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about their experiences of sexual violence and seeking support in Australia. “ Nearly 25% of people we surveyed had experienced sexual violence in the past year, with this figure rising to 34% for participants aged 18-25 years. Our new research is one of the most comprehensive Australian studies on this to date.
‘The reporting process was more traumatising than the assault itself’: LGBTQ+ survivors on accessing support after sexual violence
The following article discusses sexual violence, self-harm and suicide. Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about their experiences of sexual violence and seeking support in Australia. Our new research, released today, is one of the most comprehensive Australian studies on this to date. We surveyed 330 NSW-based LGBTQ+ survivors of sexual violence.
LGBTQ+ survivors on accessing support after sexual violence
Tue Mar 28 Written by Bianca Fileborn, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, The University of Melbourne The following article discusses sexual violence, self-harm and suicide. Gender and sexuality diverse (LGBTQ+) people experience disproportionately high levels of sexual violence, but we still know very little about their experiences of sexual violence and seeking support in Australia. Our new research, released today[1], is one of the most comprehensive Australian studies on this to date.
King Gizzard and Sampa the Great abandoning Bluesfest highlights the power of artists to change the culture of the music industry
On Monday, psychedelic rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard announced they were withdrawing from their scheduled headlining appearance at the Byron Bay Bluesfest in April. On their social media they attributed this decision to Bluesfest “presenting content” that did not align with their values of being opposed to “misogyny, racism, transphobia and violence”. Sampa the Great has since also withdrawn from the festival.
Catcalls, homophobia and racism: We studied why people (especially men) engage in street harassment
A growing body of research shows public harassment is among the most prevalent forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Harassment provided men with an avenue to express power over women and other men (particularly men who were not seen to be doing their masculinity “appropriately”). The normalisation of street harassment requires urgent attention, so this behaviour is no longer excused.
Catcalls, homophobia and racism: we studied why people (and especially men) engage in street harassment
“Hey sexy.” “Smile!” “Hey ladies, can I watch?” “Can I have your number?” A growing body of research shows public harassment is among the most prevalent forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Street harassment can include homophobic, transphobic, racist and ableist actions, as well as overtly hostile and aggressive behaviour. Yet, we know very little about who harasses and why they do it.
How to get consent for sex (and no, it doesn’t have to spoil the mood)
New South Wales and Victoria are set to introduce a suite of reforms to sexual offenses legislation which set a new standard for sexual consent. Both states will implement an affirmative model of consent. Affirmative consent is based on the idea that someone who is consenting to sex will actively express this through their words and actions – it’s the presence of an “enthusiastic yes,” rather than the absence of a “no.” So what’s changing, and what does that mean for how we negotiate sex?
How to get consent for sex (and no, it doesn’t have to spoil the mood)
New South Wales and Victoria are set to introduce a suite of reforms to sexual offenses legislation which set a new standard for sexual consent. Both states will implement an affirmative model of consent. Affirmative consent is based on the idea that someone who is consenting to sex will actively express this through their words and actions – it’s the presence of an “enthusiastic yes,” rather than the absence of a “no.” So what’s changing, and what does that mean for how we negotiate sex?
New Laws Mean You Need Affirmative Sexual Consent — Here’s How to Ask While Keeping the Mood
New South Wales and Victoria are set to introduce a suite of reforms to sexual offences legislation which set a new standard for sexual consent. Both states will implement an affirmative model of consent. Affirmative consent is based on the idea that someone who is consenting to sex will actively express this through their words and actions – it’s the presence of an “enthusiastic yes”, rather than the absence of a “no”. So what’s changing, and what does that mean for how we negotiate sex?
Laws have changed the way partners need to seek consent. Here's how to do it (and no, it won't spoil the mood)
New South Wales and Victoria are set to introduce a suite of reforms to sexual offences legislation which set a new standard for sexual consent. Both states will implement an affirmative model of consent. Affirmative consent is based on the idea that someone who is consenting to sex will actively express this through their words and actions – it’s the presence of an “enthusiastic yes”, rather than the absence of a “no”. So what’s changing, and what does that mean for how we negotiate sex?
LGBTQ+ people are being ignored in the national discussion on family and sexual violence
This week’s Women’s Safety Summit brought together many voices calling for the government to take substantive action to address violence against women. This is happening ahead of the finalising of the next National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children in 2022. However, the national safety summit failed to adequately include a significant part of our population: LGBTQ+ communities.
Inquiry into LGBTQ+ hate crimes could improve how police and communities respond
The South African LGBTQ+ community is mourning the untimely death of Andile 'Lulu' Ntuthela, who was murdered in Uitenhage over the weekend. In the wake of the devastating news of this hate crime, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance of South Africa (GLASA) has called for communities to unite for harsher sentencing, the prioritisation of the LGBTQIA+ hate crimes, and for stricter legislations to protect the community, particularly in townships and rural areas.
Consent apps are a bad idea - here’s why
After months of high-profile allegations of sexual violence dominating news headlines in Australia, culminating in co-ordinated protests across the country, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has suggested that a consent app could be part of the solution. It would, so the argument goes, provide a clear record of consent to a sexual encounter. On March 15, 2021, thousands of Australians protested against sexual violence.
Increasing public toilet safety for gender-diverse populations
The issue of public toilets and gender has been a site of intense moral panic across Australia, the UK and the USA. Anxieties have centred on whether trans women should be able to access women’s bathrooms – which they legally can, in most jurisdictions – and are fuelled by misplaced (and transphobic) fears about trans women being and/or enabling sexual predators. What is often missed in these discussions is how well designed public toilets can improve safety and accessibility for all.
This week's news has put sexual assault survivors at risk of 'secondary trauma'. Here's how it happens, and how to cope
The continuing media coverage of rape and sexual assault allegations faced by current and former political figures has put many sexual abuse survivors at risk of being traumatised all over again. Widespread media attention features near-constant social media updates and extensive commentary. It means many sexual violence survivors are directly exposed to triggering and retraumatising content that resurfaces the pain of their own past experiences.
From COVID anxiety to harassment, more needs to be done on safety in taxis and rideshare services
The introduction of ridesharing services has transformed the way many of us travel. Alongside traditional taxis, app-based ridesharing services have made it easier than ever to travel privately for those who can afford it. But how safe are taxi and rideshare services? Anecdotally, experiences of harassment and violence appear to be common for passengers. Last year, media reports drew attention to attempts by individuals posing as Uber drivers to lure women into their vehicles in Melbourne.
From COVID anxiety to harassment, more needs to be done on safety in taxis and rideshare services
The introduction of ridesharing services has transformed the way many of us travel. Alongside traditional taxis, app-based ridesharing services have made it easier than ever to travel privately for those who can afford it. But how safe are taxi and rideshare services? Anecdotally, experiences of harassment and violence appear to be common for passengers. Last year, media reports drew attention to attempts by individuals posing as Uber drivers to lure women into their vehicles in Melbourne.
We can celebrate Harvey Weinstein’s fall – but the #MeToo battle is still only half won
28 minutes ago Bianca Fileborn, The Conversation & Rachel Loney-Howes, The Conversation Share Tweet Email Reddit Print Comments Share Tweet Email Reddit Print Comments The downfall of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has come to a head following his conviction for rape in the third degree and a criminal sex act in the first degree. He was acquitted on a suite of more serious charges, including predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree.
Weinstein conviction a partial victory for #MeToo, but must not overshadow work still to be done
The downfall of disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has come to a head following his conviction for rape in the third degree and a criminal sex act in the first degree. He was acquitted on a suite of more serious charges, including predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree. Weinstein’s conviction has been claimed as a “partial victory” for the #MeToo movement, and demonstrative of the collective power of survivors “speaking out” about their experiences.
Victorian changes to gender on birth certificate will not increase sexual violence. Here's why
The Victorian government is considering changes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996. The changes will mean transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people can change the sex recorded on their birth certificate without having to undergo medical or surgical intervention. Other Australian and international jurisdictions have recognised the value of this kind of reform. Earlier this year, Tasmania passed laws similar to the ones being considered in Victoria.
Why a ‘sex strike’ is unlikely to improve access to abortion
Last week the US state of Georgia passed abortion laws that wind back some of the hard-fought reproductive rights won through America’s landmark abortion case Roe v Wade. The new legislation restricts abortion once “cardiac activity” can be detected. Since this usually occurs at around six weeks of pregnancy – at which point many are unaware they are pregnant – the legislation effectively outlaws abortion.
Why a 'sex strike' is unlikely to improve access to abortion
American actress Alissa Milano has called for women to go on a “sex strike” to protest draconian abortion laws recently introduced in the US state of Georgia. Credit: Shutterstock Last week the US state of Georgia passed abortion laws that wind back some of the hard-fought reproductive rights won through America's landmark abortion case Roe v Wade. The new legislation restricts abortion once "cardiac activity" can be detected.
Why a 'sex strike' is unlikely to improve access to abortion
While encouraging women to go on a “sex strike” over reproductive rights is laudible, this approach is deeply problematic, writes Bianca Fileborn from University of Melbourne in this piece republished from The Conversation. Last week the US state of Georgia passed abortion laws that wind back some of the hard-fought reproductive rights won through America’s landmark abortion case Roe v Wade. The new legislation restricts abortion once “cardiac activity” can be detected.
Why a 'sex strike' is unlikely to improve access to abortion
Last week the US state of Georgia passed abortion laws that wind back some of the hard-fought reproductive rights won through America’s landmark abortion case Roe v Wade. The new legislation restricts abortion once “cardiac activity” can be detected. Since this usually occurs at around six weeks of pregnancy – at which point many are unaware they are pregnant – the legislation effectively outlaws abortion.
Victorian changes to gender on birth certificate will not increase sexual violence. Here's why
The Victorian government is considering changes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1996. The changes will mean transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people can change the sex recorded on their birth certificate without having to undergo medical or surgical intervention. Other Australian and international jurisdictions have recognised the value of this kind of reform. Earlier this year, Tasmania passed laws similar to the ones being considered in Victoria.
#MeToo Global Series News, Research and Analysis - The Conversation
Displaying all articles Shuttersock March 8, 2019 A brutal rape at Pamplona's 2016 running of the bulls outraged Spain. Then came #MeToo. With ever more Spaniards taking up the feminist mantle, schools – many of which are not coed – lag behind. Smartphones have put the tools for bullying and voyeurism in the pockets of schoolchildren. Baruska/Pixabay March 8, 2019 France's #MeToo backlash has revealed just how deeply rooted sexism is in the country.
#MeToo has changed the media landscape, but in Australia there is still much to be done
Emerging in October 2017 in response to allegations of sexual assault perpetrated by Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, #MeToo highlighted the potential for traditional and social media to work together to generate global interest in gender-based violence. Within 24 hours, survivors around the world had used the hashtag 12 million times. Eighteen months later, #MeToo is showing few signs of slowing down. Stories continue to appear in world media about sexual harassment and assault.
#MeToo has changed the media landscape, but in Australia there is still much to be done
Emerging in October 2017 in response to allegations of sexual assault perpetrated by Hollywood movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, #MeToo highlighted the potential for traditional and social media to work together to generate global interest in gender-based violence. Within 24 hours, survivors around the world had used the hashtag 12 million times. Eighteen months later, #MeToo is showing few signs of slowing down. Stories continue to appear in world media about sexual harassment and assault.
Acting on gender-based violence must be a priority for the next federal government
This is part of a major series called Advancing Australia, in which leading academics examine the key issues facing Australia in the lead-up to the 2019 federal election and beyond. Read the other pieces in the series here. Gender-based violence (GBV) seems recently to have been almost constantly on the public radar. The global #MeToo movement prompted daily reporting on sexual violence (albeit with a focus often limited to glamorous Hollywood celebrities).
The impact of experiences of ageism on sexual activity and interest in later life | Ageing & Society | Cambridge Core
Abrams, D., Swift, H. J. and Drury, L. 2016. Old and unemployable? How age-based stereotypes affect willingness to hire job candidates. Journal of Social Issues, 72, 1, 105–21. Allen, J. O. 2016. Ageism as a risk factor for chronic disease. The Gerontologist, 56, 4, 610–4. Anderson, R. 2013. Positive sexuality and its impact on overall well-being. Bundesgesundheitsblatt-Gesundheitsforschung-Gesundheitsschutz, 56, 2, 208–14. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016. Australian Demographic Statistics, June 2016. Cat.
Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crime could improve how police and communities respond
Lessons learnt from a NSW parliamentary inquiry into hate crimes against Australia’s LGBTIQ community could change the way police and communities respond to complaints, and acknowledge the continued impact of past injustices. The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia to investigate both the scale of hate crimes against the LGBTIQ community and inadequate police responses.
New research shines light on sexual violence at Australian music festivals
Unfortunately, it also raises the issue of sexual violence that has blighted festivals in recent years. This issue has attracted increased public agitation and attention, as illustrated through media reporting, activism, and the gradual introduction of festival policies and prevention efforts. Despite this, there has been virtually no research on sexual violence at music festivals.
Music festival season is here, and with it comes the dread of sexual violence
As the weather warms up, it can only mean one thing for young music enthusiasts: the Australian summer music festival season is here. For many young people, this is a time of great anticipation, excitement and meticulous planning of outfits. Unfortunately, it also raises the issue of sexual violence that has blighted festivals in recent years.
New research shines light on sexual violence at Australian music festivals
As the weather warms up, it can only mean one thing for young music enthusiasts: the Australian summer music festival season is here. For many young people, this is a time of great anticipation, excitement and meticulous planning of outfits. Unfortunately, it also raises the issue of sexual violence that has blighted festivals in recent years.
How Misogyny, Narcissism And A Desperate Need For Power Make Men Abuse Women Online
While the occurrence of sexist harassment online is well documented, we less often consider what might be driving this behaviour. “Another morning, another bit of casual misogyny & abuse”, ABC journalist Leigh Sales lamented last week after receiving a tweet accusing her of “virtually” performing sexual acts on her 7.30 guests. Sales’s comments draw our attention back to the abuse routinely encountered by women, people of colour and LGBTQ people on social media.
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