Hold the Sydney Swans and AFL accountable for their actions
The issue
As a survivor of domestic violence, my journey to healing has been long and arduous. Each step has been fraught with memories I'd rather forget but have courageously faced. It took just one glimpse of the news, however, to send me spiralling back into the heartache I’ve worked so hard to overcome. I learned of the recent sexual misconduct allegations against figures within the Sydney Swans and the AFL, and my anger quickly evolved into a powerful need for justice.
The culture of silence and impunity surrounding such acts must end. It's time these institutions - the Sydney Swans and AFL - face accountability. There is a historical pattern of neglecting the voices of victims, brushing issues under the carpet in favour of protecting reputations rather than humanity. We cannot allow this systemic disregard to continue unchallenged.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about one in six women and one in sixteen men in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous partner. These figures are a national disgrace and a stark reminder of the impact of silence.
It is unacceptable for prestigious organisations that hold sway over cultural and societal norms to ignore or mishandle allegations of such a serious nature. We demand that the Sydney Swans and AFL conduct transparent investigations into all allegations, implement policies that categorically prevent such incidents, and provide support mechanisms for victims within their organisations.
We call for an independent review of current practices, ensuring there are robust systems for reporting and addressing misconduct. Additionally, educational and preventive measures must be firmly established, ensuring that no one within these institutions feels above consequence.
Your voice matters in this fight against silence and negligence. By standing together, we can send a clear message that accountability is non-negotiable, and survivor voices can no longer be drowned out by powerful entities.
Please sign this petition to demand justice, transparency, and concrete actions from the Sydney Swans and the AFL. Together, we can pave the way for a more accountable and compassionate future.
18
The issue
As a survivor of domestic violence, my journey to healing has been long and arduous. Each step has been fraught with memories I'd rather forget but have courageously faced. It took just one glimpse of the news, however, to send me spiralling back into the heartache I’ve worked so hard to overcome. I learned of the recent sexual misconduct allegations against figures within the Sydney Swans and the AFL, and my anger quickly evolved into a powerful need for justice.
The culture of silence and impunity surrounding such acts must end. It's time these institutions - the Sydney Swans and AFL - face accountability. There is a historical pattern of neglecting the voices of victims, brushing issues under the carpet in favour of protecting reputations rather than humanity. We cannot allow this systemic disregard to continue unchallenged.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about one in six women and one in sixteen men in Australia have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or previous partner. These figures are a national disgrace and a stark reminder of the impact of silence.
It is unacceptable for prestigious organisations that hold sway over cultural and societal norms to ignore or mishandle allegations of such a serious nature. We demand that the Sydney Swans and AFL conduct transparent investigations into all allegations, implement policies that categorically prevent such incidents, and provide support mechanisms for victims within their organisations.
We call for an independent review of current practices, ensuring there are robust systems for reporting and addressing misconduct. Additionally, educational and preventive measures must be firmly established, ensuring that no one within these institutions feels above consequence.
Your voice matters in this fight against silence and negligence. By standing together, we can send a clear message that accountability is non-negotiable, and survivor voices can no longer be drowned out by powerful entities.
Please sign this petition to demand justice, transparency, and concrete actions from the Sydney Swans and the AFL. Together, we can pave the way for a more accountable and compassionate future.
Supporter voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 22 August 2026