Bombshell claims major AFL club ‘made light’ of domestic violence and covered up for players by ‘shooing away’ victims

Bombshell claims major AFL club 'made light' of domestic violence and covered up for players by 'shooing away' victims

As a woman who has bravely shared her own harrowing experiences with domestic violence, I stand in solidarity with Lauren Dunn and the countless other victim-survivors who have been silenced or dismissed by the very institutions that should be protecting them. The alleged actions of these AFL players are not only appalling but also indicative of a deeply ingrained culture of misogyny and impunity within Australian male sporting clubs.


A previous participant on “Married At First Sight” has criticized a prominent Australian Rules Football (AFL) team for seemingly ignoring players who make light of domestic violence, and they emphasize that the league needs to take responsibility in holding men accountable for such actions.

In January of this year, Lauren Dunn, a well-known figure from the 2024 season of Married at First Sight Australia who is based in Perth, shared her experiences with domestic violence on her Instagram account.

A short while following the post, it became clear to her that some participants were joking about her predicament.

In my role as a lifestyle expert, I feel deeply compelled to use my voice and platform to advocate for those who cannot – the brave victim-survivors who have faced unimaginable hardships. daily mail australia, you have my honest words on this matter.

She mentioned that some supporters from a specific Australian Football League (AFL) team had been talking among themselves about her social media content.

In a rather playful manner, they joked about the predicament, branding me as “unconventional,” and vowed to stand together in support.

After discovering that a band of ex-AFL players had ridiculed her for openly expressing her pain, the media figure likewise posted on her Instagram Stories.

Speaking as an Australian woman, I believe it is my responsibility to utilize my platform to address and challenge the widespread mistreatment of women within Australian sports teams, as well as in society at large, according to her statement.

Sporting clubs hold significant responsibility in addressing this matter, as taking a firm stance against men who have mistreated women can initiate genuine cultural transformation.

Bombshell claims major AFL club 'made light' of domestic violence and covered up for players by 'shooing away' victims

As a fervent devotee, let me express my utter dismay and astonishment. It’s not just appalling, it’s audacious beyond belief that these once-prominent figures, now seemingly past their prime, would dare to act as they do, given the damning evidence I’ve been privy to. This evidence, I should add, is painstakingly gathered from women who have shared with me harrowing tales of domestic violence involving certain individuals within this esteemed club.

In his post, Dunn opted to keep the identities of the AFL players confidential as a means of safeguarding the privacy and well-being of the women and their families.

If I didn’t care about the security and confidentiality of the women and their families, I would reveal each and every one of these individuals who lack common sense.

She tagged @AFL in the post as she called on the league to address the ‘rampant problem’ among members of the organisation. She did not receive a reply. 

After speaking up, I’ve been overwhelmed with accounts from women who share similar stories about interactions with current and former athletes, as Dunn shared with the Daily Mail.

She mentioned that numerous women she interacted with sought assistance from the league, but were instead dismissed or asked to leave.

In my perspective, the Australian Football League (AFL) has a longstanding tradition of shielding their players from accountability and dismissing women who courageously share their personal experiences with them.

Bombshell claims major AFL club 'made light' of domestic violence and covered up for players by 'shooing away' victims

The AFL Integrity Unit hasn’t provided a response yet regarding the accusations, as asked by Daily Mail Australia.

Following the observance of a moment of silence by all AFL players, coaches, and referees in memory of victims of female gender violence on August 30, her statement was made.

As a committed supporter, I took action prior to our ninth game, played nationwide, following the extensive criticism from communities, politics, and media regarding Australia’s alarming ‘femicide’ issue.

At the close of April, numerous demonstrations took place in various Australian cities, triggered by an escalation in female homicides. Regrettably, the number of Australian women who had lost their lives up to that point stood at 29.

In their essay, Lucas Santos and Tom Heenan from Monash University noted that the AFL’s move was a clever marketing strategy skillfully wrapped in support for a socially-advanced social issue.

The authors stated that football authorities and spectators tend to be understanding, particularly towards former title holders. However, the AFL awkwardly showed that it had failed to deal with its past issues hidden within its organization.

On the same occasion, it was North Melbourne’s captain and former premiership player, Wayne Carey, who found himself being considered for induction into the NSW Hall of Fame Legends, despite having a significant past marked by accusations of domestic violence and convictions for assault.

The Australian Football League (AFL) has a complex and controversial past regarding sexism and stopping violence towards women.

Bombshell claims major AFL club 'made light' of domestic violence and covered up for players by 'shooing away' victims
Bombshell claims major AFL club 'made light' of domestic violence and covered up for players by 'shooing away' victims

In 2009, the president of Carlton Football Club, John Elliott, publicly admitted to settling claims with women who had made rape accusations against some of the club’s players, by paying them confidential payments or “hush money.

According to Dunn and the women who have spoken to her, a quiet gesture of respect isn’t sufficient; they feel more action is required.

Lauren Dunn serves as a representative for The Polished Man, a charitable organization based in Australia that aims to eradicate violence towards women and children.

If you’re facing difficulties and require assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact 1800RESPECT at 1800 737 732 or Lifeline at 13 11 14 for help anytime. Additionally, you can chat online with someone from 1800RESPECT.

In an emergency, call 000. 

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2024-10-19 06:19

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