Mo Hope reveals horror death threat saga

AFLW star Moana Hope hit an “all-time low” when her sister became the victim of death threats — but she made a surprising decision when police got involved.

AFLW trailblazer Moana Hope has revealed she sought police assistance after graphic death threats were made on social media towards her sister, Vinnie.

Hope involved police due to the highly disturbing nature of the direct messages late last year.

Vinnie has a rare neurological condition and Hope is her carer. She lives with Hope, her wife Isabella Carlstrom and their 14-week-old daughter, Svea.

Mo Hope as she appears in the new Bonds Pride campaign. Picture: BONDS

“We actually had some pretty horrible death threats for Vinnie and I mean some pretty bad and graphic ones,” Hope said. “It was an all-time low. It was pretty full-on and we were genuinely really worried. I have had death threats (on social media), I have had threats, but when it was Vinnie that was a different thing.”

Hope said Victoria Police acted swiftly. “We went to the police and they were absolutely amazing. They were able to track that person and they were able to deal with them accordingly,” she said. “It ended up being a young girl.”

Hope said she declined to press charges.

“We were asked if we wanted to press charges and decided not to,” Hope said.

“She (the girl) just needs a chance, somebody to show her right from wrong. She needs to be educated to know that this is not acceptable.”

Hope said she fully endorsed the tightening of rules governing bullying behaviour and abuse on social media. She added that she was regularly the target of threats and abuse online but was quick to block, delete and report appalling behaviour and messages.

Moana Hope in the new Bonds Pride campaign with her wife Isabella Carlstrom and their daughter Svea. Picture: BONDS

“In my case mostly it is older men making the comments. A lot of guys seem to have a real problem with a woman like me,” she said.

Hope, Carlstrom and Svea appeared in a Pride campaign for Bonds that celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community.

“To have my first child, which is my beautiful girl Svea, and my beautiful wife in it (the campaign) as well, is the ultimate for me,” she said. “I get to represent so many amazing people who are proud to be who they are. It just means so much to me. I am proud to be who I am and I love to show my pride.”

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