Female politicians in municipalities, provinces and water boards are significantly more likely to be victims of online aggression and violence than their male colleagues. This is according to research by Atria and Ipsos I&O into online verbal aggression (such as swearing, belittling or discriminatory remarks) or threats and intimidation (via e-mail or social media).
Female politicians in municipalities, provinces and water boards are significantly more likely to be victims of online aggression and violence than their male colleagues. This is according to research by Atria and Ipsos I&O into online verbal aggression (such as swearing, belittling or discriminatory remarks) or threats and intimidation (via e-mail or social media).
Research on online aggression and violence
In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that women in politics are disproportionately affected by hate, aggression and violence in online media. A large-scale study has now been carried out for the first time on how the nature, extent and consequences of online aggression and violence differ between female and male Dutch politicians. To map this out, Atria and Ipsos I&O analysed responses to a survey of over three thousand political office holders in local government.
Nature and extent
The survey shows that 47% of female deputy politicians have experienced online aggression or violence in the past 12 months, compared to over 35% of men. The difference is significant. And it persists even when other explanatory factors are taken into account, such as the tier of government in which the politician is active or their position, political experience and political party. Almost one in three women report having experienced three or more online incidents in the past 12 months. Among men, the figure is 22%.
Aggression and violence against women is more often about them representing a specific group (45% versus 35%). For example, as a representative of a certain gender (woman) or a certain political party, ethnicity or sexual preference. This was also found in previous qualitative research by Atria.
Consequences
Politicians experience negative mental and physical consequences of online aggression and violence. Over one in three female politicians report that the most recent incident affects their social media use. Among male colleagues, the figure is 27%.
Over half of female politicians say that the risk of encountering aggression and violence affects their social media use, regardless of whether they themselves have experienced (online) hatred. Among men, the figure is 42%.
One in 10 female politicians and one in 12 male politicians have ever considered quitting.
Tackling online aggression and violence
Men and women report (online) hatred and violence equally often. There are also no differences in the extent to which politicians say they received aftercare or counselling from their organisation. Yet female politicians are less satisfied with how they were able to discuss the most recent incident with others. 75% of female politicians are (very) satisfied with this, 8% are (very) dissatisfied. Among male politicians, the figures are 83% and 4% respectively.
Female politicians are also less satisfied with the way the organisation dealt with their report. And about the extent to which their organisation does enough to prevent aggression and violence, responds adequately to incidents or provides aftercare and information or training to deal with aggression and violence.
(Online) aggression and violence limits female politicians
Women are still underrepresented in Dutch politics. (Online) aggression and violence limit them in their functioning and their freedom to express themselves in the public debate. Thus, (online) aggression and violence not only increases the likelihood that women are less likely to aspire to political office. But it also hampers their representative work in which they give all women in the Netherlands a voice in politics. Women's political representation is thus further compromised.
In a progress letter on the Resilient Governance Programme (14 May 2024), the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations informed the House of Representatives about the research report. It is announced that the ministry will work with the Association of Netherlands Municipalities, female politicians and other partners such as Vote for a Woman to create a tailor-made support package. In addition, existing trainings will be adapted.
