Van Badham Reads Out The Violent Threats She’s Received Since Her ‘Q&A’ Appearance

This article deals with sexual violence and assault.

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On Monday night, Guardian columnist Van Badham clashed with 2GB presenter Steve Price on Q&A during a discussion around how politicians, the media and public figures can combat the normalisation of violence against women.

Price’s dismissal of Badham as “hysterical” on the program has dominated headlines and coverage since. Price has doubled down on his comments, calling Badham an “aggressive woman” on Tuesday night’s Project. Badham herself has tried to redirect discussion to more substantive areas; in a Guardian column on Tuesday, she pointed out at another fellow Q&A panelist, Attorney-General George Brandis, had gone unquestioned over the government’s $34 million cuts to community legal centres that provide vital frontline support to women fleeing abusive homes.

But Badham has brought the conversation back to the question of normalising violence by revealing the flood of abusive, threatening and violent messages she’s received in the four days since Q&A went to air.

“In the wake of how Steve Price has been acting since Q&A, this is the kind of feedback I’ve received on the internet,” Badham said in a video released last night. “‘I’d smack the bitch in the mouth. I’d do it to a guy, and equal rights means I can do it to a girl.'”

“‘With a mouth like that, I’m surprised she hasn’t become a victim of DV herself.'”

“‘Now if her husband beat her up, I’d have to say good on him.'”

The video’s attracted more than 160,000 views on Facebook since being published around 13 hours ago.

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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. In an emergency, call 000.

Men can access anonymous confidential telephone counselling to help to stop using violent and controlling behaviour through the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.