'NOT CUTE': The huge problem with TikTok's disturbing new trend
A disturbing TikTok trend has emerged, concerning some users who claim it's encouraging domestic violence.
The 'bruise' filter — which has over 144,000 videos associated with the hashtag — makes the user look as though they have been beaten up, leaving them with a black eye, a cut across the nose and another on the cheekbone.
While some TikTokers are trying to trick people into thinking they've been beaten up by using the filter, some are calling for it to be removed, saying it encourages and romanticises domestic violence and physical abuse.
Users outraged over 'inappropriate' filter
Some users used the filter to 'prank' their friends and family by sending them a photo of them with the filter making them look bruised.
They then filmed their reaction — which usually showed a high level of concern — before telling them it's a filter on the video-sharing app.
However, some users have slammed the filter, calling it "highly inappropriate".
"[TikTokers] keep saying this filter looks cute," one user wrote. "It's not cute."
"I don’t get a lot of these filters, but this one take the cake," one woman wrote. "What the F**k TikTok. Do better."
1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual violence
The 2019 family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia report stated that 1 in 6 (17 per cent or 1.6 million) women and 1 in 16 (6.1 per cent or 548,000) men had experienced physical and/or sexual violence from a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15.
In Australia, 1 in 3 women have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
"I think that domestic violence is a huge issue in Australia. It's extremely prevalent," Renata Field, the Policy and Research Manager for Domestic Violence NSW told Yahoo News Australia.
"People die every week because of it. So it's really not a laughing matter. And that's really up to all of us to do what we can to appreciate the seriousness of the issue."
Ms Field said it was important for everyone to be careful about what is shared online, which includes creating spaces that don't minimise or make fun of things that are quite serious.
"I think that includes tech companies, other people like monitoring and supporting each other in online communities," she explained.
"[As well as] making sure that it's an issue that we really concerned about and seeking to change not to minimise in any way.
Ms Field reminded people that heading into the holidays, help is always available for those who need it.
"There's always support services available if people want to reach out for support or people who are in unsafe situations," she said.
Yahoo News have reached out to TikTok for comment.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au
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