Experiences of online hate and abuse among women in politics (Ofcom)

Ofcom interviewed seven women MPs and polled 22 current or past members. According to participants, hate and abuse on the internet frequently originates from a variety of sources, such as anonymous accounts, other politicians, and constituents. It often involves threats of rape or death, as well as gendered, sexist rhetoric. Regular political engagement is the cause of the ongoing abuse, which is getting worse with time. Many MPs were unaware of new possibilities and believed that the present instruments were inadequate. Their safety, self-worth, daily schedules, and desire to talk online are all impacted by the harassment; some resign, while others are discouraged from entering politics. They demanded safety features that maintain access to content for legitimate usage as well as platforms that more effectively control abuse that targets individual characteristics and lifestyles.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/siteassets/resources/documents/online-safety/research-statistics-and-data/online-abuse/experiences-of-online-hate-and-abuse-among-women-in-politics.pdf?v=400053