Abuse of NZ female MPs is commonplace, researchers find

A damning study of online abuse of female MPs shows urgent legal reform is needed

Media Whale Stock/ShutterstockWomen MPs are increasingly targets of misogynistic, racist and sexual online abuse, but New Zealand’s legal framework to protect them is simply not fit for purpose. Recently released research found online threats of physical and sexual violence have caused those MPs to feel fearful, anxious and distressed. Some included in the study said the harassment led to them self-censoring, using social media less often, and c…

Abuse of NZ female MPs is commonplace, researchers find

Female Members of Parliament in New Zealand are being assaulted with weapons, threatened with rape and subjected to death threats in the course of their work, a study led by the University of Otago, Wellington—Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke has found.

‘Aimed at driving us out’: Female MPs report widespread abuse and threats

Female MPs are being assaulted, threatened with rape, and subjected to death threats in the course of their work, a study has found.

The Cost of Debating Harassment Against Politicians: Are Women and Men Affected Equally?

Harassment of politicians is a growing global phenomenon, which threatens to erode the quality of democracy and descriptive representation. Past research h

Harassment of NZ’s female MPs - Expert Reaction - Science Media Centre

New Zealand’s female MPs are subjected to assaults, rape threats, and death threats in the course of their work, a new study finds. Eleven MPs from across the political spectrum talked to researchers about their experiences of harassment, misogyny, racism and online trolling. They said responding to harassment took mental and administrative work, with some MPs experiencing flashbacks and suicidality afterwards. The participating politicians high…