Survivor Australia 2021: Contestant Rachel Downie launches #NoHateHereMate to combat cyber bullying

When Survivor contestant Rachel Downie posted a photo of herself in a bikini, she underestimated the violent ways in which people would attack. TRIGGER WARNING

TRIGGER WARNING: “How dare you put an image of your deformed body on socials. You should be ashamed to let yourself go like that, Shameful … [Expletives] … My kids won’t be able to sleep at night.”

This is one of many abhorrent responses Survivor contestant Rachel Downie received when she posted a photo of herself in a bikini while on the Network Ten show.

Rachel Downie was trolled on Instagram after she shared what she had hoped to be an inspiring photo. Picture: Instagram

The award-winning educator said she “underestimated the violent ways in which people would attack” her, stating the image was meant to share “vulnerability” and spread “self-love vibes”.

In response to the abuse, Downie – who became 2020 Queensland Australian of the Year for creating a way for children in jeopardy to report critical incidents – launched anti-cyber bullying campaign #NoHateHereMate.

Rachel shared some of the abuse to inspire others to call this abhorrent behaviour out with her #NoHateHerMate campaign. Picture: Instagram

“Issues of hate, racism, discrimination, sexual harassment, sexism and (cyber) bullying, in real life and online run rampant in Australia because so many of us do not have the courage to say something when we see or hear it,” Downie said.

“Harm grows and flourishes in silence. I have received many emails telling me to go and kill myself, seriously sick stuff. It is time to do better.”

#NoHateHere Mate sends a strong and clear message that we won’t put up with the hate. Picture: Instagram

Downie said #NoHateHere Mate was an assertive and kind way to say: “Hey, there’s no hate here, ‘here’ meaning: not in our hearts, not in our workplaces, not in our schools, not in real life, not online. #nohateheremate can be used as a comeback and it can be used as words of support.”

Environmental advocate and former Survivor Brains tribe member Laura Wells said her own work as a curve model had made her a target for cyber bullies.

Australian Survivor contestant Laura Wells has also experienced online abuse. Picture: Nigel Wright

“You have no idea the life story or current circumstances of this person and your negative comments may be doing irreparable harm,” she said.

“We need to be responsible for our own actions including those facelessly written from behind a phone or computer screen.”

#nohateheremate reminds people inaction comes at a real human cost. Follow @nohateheremate on Instagram or visit nohateheremate.com

Australian Survivor airs Sunday – Tuesday at 7.30pm on 10

Originally published as Survivor Australia 2021: Contestant Rachel Downie launches #NoHateHereMate to combat cyber bullying