A University of Galway academic, Associate Professor Tom Felle, has called for laws, hefty fines and criminal action to be taken against social media companies who ‘fail to tackle cyber violence against women’.
As part of his work to counter the growth of cyber violence against women in the political sphere, Associate Professor Felle addressed the Oireachtas Taskforce on Safe Participation in Political Life on Thursday, September 7, citing research findings and recommendations from from University of Galway research into cyber violence against female politicians. The research highlights the rampant prevalence of cyber violence, its impact and urgent policy responses which are needed to ensure a safe and inclusive political landscape.
Research findings
The research findings highlight what it describes as a ‘rampant prevalence of cyber violence’, the impact it has on the victim, and the need to introduce ‘urgent policy responses’ which are needed to ensure a ‘safe and inclusive political landscape’.
A statement released by the university about the study describes the issue as, “alarmingly pervasive, fuelled by the mainstream integration of social media. This abuse ranges from derogatory comments to threats of violence and rape, significantly impacting mental well-being, participation, and representation of women in Irish public life.”
Associate Professor Felle said, “ International research shows that the overwhelming majority of perpetrators are male, often utilising the relative anonymity of the online environment to engage in aggressive behaviour. The lack of consistent platform policies and enforcement mechanisms complicates addressing this issue effectively.”
The University of Galway research is based on qualitative interviews with 78 participants, including current and former members of the Oireachtas and local councillors across political parties.
The statistics offered from the research study by University of Galway make for grim reading, with approximately 96 per cent of those interviewed saying they had received abusive social media or electronic messages containing hate speech, foul language, and inappropriate comments. When it comes to threats of physical violence, 73 per cent faced threats of violence and 38 per cent report threats of rape or sexual violence. One of the issues with unchecked cyber violence is its ability to create a real life threat towards victims, 28 per cent of interviewees stated that they had been verbally abused in public, with some including disturbing incidents like faeces being thrown at them and threats of acid attacks.
The prevalence of gender based cyber violence directed towards women in the political sphere knocks the confidence of its victims, with one in five participants stating that they have ‘considered quitting politics due to online harassment, highlighting the chilling effect of cyber violence’.
Counter measures
Speaking about counter measures that need to be urgently taken to combat the issue, Associate Professor Felle said, “We need a comprehensive approach, including educational initiatives that emphasise digital literacy, critical thinking, and appropriate online behaviour. This should extend to schools and society to promote respectful online engagement. There is an urgent need to enforce existing laws to hold perpetrators accountable for online abuse and threats.
“At national and EU level legislators need to make social media platforms criminally responsible for allowing misogynistic content and threats to thrive – including hitting them in their pockets with billion euro fines. Clear and consistent policies against hate speech and harassment should be enforced.
“Failure to address cyber violence against women in politics could lead to a perpetuation of inequality and silencing of women’s voices, undermining gender equality and democratic principles.”
