At long last, Congress is on the verge of passing the first federal law to criminalize revenge porn. This will aid in prosecuting offenders and those who facilitate them, serve to deter future offenses, and signal to victims that we are finally taking this abhorrent crime seriously.
Tag: Online Harassment
Holding Big Tech Accountable for Online Violence Against Women and Gendered Disinformation
As a result of online misogyny, many women renounce political careers, self-censor or refrain from speaking out, while illiberal actors and authoritarians become ever bolder in their use of social media as a tool to silence opposition, roll back women’s rights and erode democratic institutions. We cannot let these practices continue, and we cannot let platforms who are able to make substantive change continue to skirt their responsibilities.
Fulton County DA Fani Willis Is Holding Trump Accountable
As the historic second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump continues to unfold, District Attorney Fani Willis of Fulton County, Ga., is working to hold the former president accountable in her own jurisdiction.
“I’ve had to double my security. We’ve gotten a lot of comments. And they’re always racist. I don’t think it’s an insult to remind me I’m a Black woman. It’s a waste of their time.”
Online Course Helps Women Journalists Fend Off Harassment
A new course teaches women journalists how to protect themselves against professional harm and fight online harassment.
For Women in Politics Globally, the Job Can Mean Abuse, Jail or Death
The Inter-Parliamentary Union reports increasing attacks on lawmakers globally, with women suffering more disproportionately than men.
Sometimes all it takes is a woman’s eagerness to become a political activist to put her in mortal danger—especially if she fights for women’s rights.
Creating an Internet for All: Why We Must Speak Out Against Online Harassment and Abuse of Women
Research and testimony are increasingly showing what many women have long known: that the Internet is not an equal space.
Free Expression and the Internet Are Key to Combating Violence Against Women
Now more than ever, it is critical for governments to prioritize gender equality in their responses to COVID-19 and in their promotion and realization of fundamental human rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression and information.
The Good Bots: One Cyborg That’s Killing the Trolls With Kindness
Social media represents a powerful opportunity to increase the visibility of women in politics—but this should not come at any cost. By educating, validating and posting positivity, ParityBOT hopes to challenge the online culture of toxicity, one tweet at a time.
Online Harassment, Physical Threats: The Cost of Reporting for Women Journalists
Every reporter reckons with the fact that chasing a certain story can make them a walking target and eventually put them in danger. For women journalists, this sort of a natural work-related risk is accompanied by enormous challenges and pressures strictly related to their gender.
7 Best Practices for Coping With Online Sexual Harassment
The goal of abusers is to silence the people they target and exclude them from the public sphere. Of course, in a world where our lives are conducted almost entirely online (especially now), this is an unacceptable outcome. So what can you do if you’re targeted with gender-based harassment or online sexual harassment? While there’s no single, prescriptive solution or response to these situations, here are a few suggestions and best practices.