MAFS online outrage raises the question, can we support survivors while not seeing alleged perpetrators as ‘guilty’?

Whether you follow politics or reality TV, it can feel like allegations of assault and abuse against high-profile figures are surfacing online daily.

In the past week alone, several participants in the current season of Channel Nine’s Married At First Sight have come under fire.

Viewers have called out perceived toxic and harmful behaviour on the show.

Thousands have signed an online petition urging Channel Nine to apologise for the portrayal of “an excessive amount of domestic violence signs”, and its “failed duty of care” to viewers and one female participant.

Meanwhile, former partners of MAFS contestants have made allegations on social media about past incidents and behaviour. 

For audiences, reading…