I write this petition from a deeply personal place. I am a survivor of domestic violence, coercive control and narcissistic abuse. Beyond my personal experiences, I work in women's healthcare and witness the aftermath of such behaviours daily. Our plea is to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to reconsider the registration of John Aitken.

John Aitken, a supposed “relationship expert” on the reality TV show, Married At First Sight (MAFS), has exhibited conduct that enables abusive behaviour towards women. Ensuring public safety and setting high ethical standards are fundamental responsibilities of AHPRA. Having someone who enables abusive behaviour as a registered practitioner not only betrays these responsibilities but also poses a significant danger to society. As the most watched TV show in Australia, it has a duty of care to ensure familiar tropes within intimate partner abuse are consistently and categorically called out, no exceptions. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, on average, one woman a week in Australia is murdered by her current or former partner, a stark reminder of the gravity of domestic violence issues (AIHW 2018 report). Nearly all of the women killed would ah e experienced similar patterns of behaviour from the men who ultimately killed them. 

We urge AHPRA to set a strong example that such conduct is not acceptable. We are not saying that this choice will solve the issue of domestic violence in Australia. It is, however, a crucial step in establishing a societal norm that recognises the seriousness of the problem and demands accountability. Please sign this petition and let AHPRA know that we demand a review of John Aitken’s Registration.