Family safety

Hey, my name is Alinta, and I'm a loved up Koori from Melbourne.

I have the best fella, Jesse. He works as a bartender and he's really protective.

He's always telling me that he wants to keep me safe, hey.

When I go out, he's always checking in on me and asking me who I'm with.

It's kind of sweet and annoying at the same time.

I'm just out with cousins. It shouldn't be a big deal.

Last time I got invited out I actually bailed, hey! 

One of my sister girls made a comment about Jesse being a clinger. I got all shame.

Then the other day, down at the shops, I ran into an old school friend, Coen. 

I haven't seen him in years, but we just started yarning and laughing like no time passed.

When I was telling Jesse about it later that night he was acting mad. 

Like he even went through my phone to look at my messages and see my contacts.

He was demanding to know who I was hanging out with. He was making out that I was shady.

Now he texts me like 50 times a day saying I'm hopeless and a liar. He's even started to harass my friends and family.

I just feel so alone.

Alinta: Hello. 

Coen: Hey, sis, how's it going? I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing.

Alinta: Hey Coen, I'm going alright.

Coen: Hey, I just wanna let you know that I've been getting heaps of these weird messages from Jesse, like asking if I've seen you lately.

Alinta: Argh, I'm sorry about that, hey. It's making me so shame, but I think he's trying to protect me.

Coen: Maybe. I just want to see if everything's OK because, you know, it doesn't have to be like this.

Alinta: He loves me, you know, but sometimes, I don't know, it doesn't feel like that.

Coen: He shouldn't be treating you like that. It's just not right.

Jealousy is not love. Harassment is not love. Healthy support networks are important. It is OK to ask for help.

If you think technology is being used to harm you, please contact Djirra for help or eSafety to report image-based abuse.

Hey, my sisters. I'm Kirra. I just want to tell you about my fella, Josh. 

He makes me feel so good and he's always saying how much he loves me.

The other day, though, something weird happened. 

I was out with my besties taking selfies at different bars, then, randomly, Josh showed up. 

I was so confused because he told me he didn't want to come out, but then he just turned up.

He was real mad as well because he said he had to find out on Instagram where I was.

Afterwards, he said he was sorry. He just needs to know where I am because he wants me to be safe.

He told me I should text him where I am when I go out. 

I thought it was a bit over the top, but he said it's to protect me, and I love him, you know.

Then, a few nights later, I was cleaning at home and I found this weird cube thing. I googled it and it turns out it was a camera. 

I freaked out. I didn't know where this thing came from, or if there were any more.

I call my bestie and she reckons it's probably Josh because he's been possessive and he knows where I am all the time. 

I wasn't sure, so I asked him to go on a break. 

Then he started messaging me all the time, asking me where I am and what I'm doing. 

It was so creepy, hey. I had to block him and make my account private.

It still feels like he's watching me 24/7.

I can't seem to escape him. Like, I would be at a cafe and he would drive by.

I am so scared. It turns out he is literally stalking me. Even my mechanic found a tracking device on my car.

I've decided to take off and go stay with Nan on Country. She's always good to yarn with. My sister girls and family are around too.

Watch out for red flags. Stalking is never OK. There is help available.

If you think technology is being used to harm you, please contact Djirra for help or eSafety to report image based abuse.