The abuse of women in politics online and offline is on the rise, with female politicians reporting threats of an acid attack, verbal abuse in public, and even having faeces thrown at them. That’s according to the findings of a new NUI Galway study that interviewed 69 current and former female politicians from all major political parties. One politician told researchers they had faeces thrown at them in public while another was threatened with an acid attack. “I was repeatedly threatened by a troll who threatened to throw acid in my face. Of those interviewed, 20% said they considered quitting politics because of the abuse — this sentiment was higher (59%) among female councillors.

Source: Irish Examiner October 01, 2020 23:03 UTC