Antoinette Lattouf Instagram – I was about to just block and delete—like I had so many times before. But that day, I was done.
Late last year, I got a harassing, racially charged email from a man I’d never met. It wasn’t even the most vile or threatening message I’d received, even though it called for violence and harm. But I was exhausted. Frustrated. And I thought: I shouldn’t have to cop this. Enough.
So I reported it. Months later, NSW Police’s hate crimes unit called—they’d identified him. A man in his 60s from regional NSW. They wanted to arrest him.
A few days later, at the police station, I hesitated. Should I go through with this? Was I scared ENOUGH? Unsafe ENOUGH? Was I worthy of police resources? Women are conditioned to endure hate and harassment. Women of colour, even more so.
Maybe he’d had a few beers. Maybe he was having a bad day. Maybe he thought it was funny. Maybe, just maybe, he has a bit of a crush on me and this was his weird way of showing it.
Then the Sergeant said something disturbing he’d observed in his career: generally speaking, men who are violent to women in person almost always start online.
ENOUGH.
So I signed the police report. And the man was arrested today. Turns out he was also targeting others like me online and he’ll front court next month.
The alleged offence? Using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence. Maximum penalty: three years in prison.
Moral of the story: I totally get why a bloke in his 60s would be into me—excellent taste, obvs. But maybe next time, try a less criminally unhinged way of showing it. (Allegedly. Etc etc.)
Also, if you’re copping this abusive shit online, report it. You shouldn’t have to put up with it. We shouldn’t normalise it. And as for police resources? There’s only one thing I take from L’Oréal… babes you ARE worth it.
I know other many women have been turned away from authorities, let down or told to “maybe just stay off socials” as though as victims, they are to blame. My experience was different, and I hope others are afforded a similar path. | Posted on 18/Feb/2025 06:57:19
