Earlier this week the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS talked about the “harmful existence” of online misogyny, whilst also sharing some of her own experiences.
This follows comments made by the outgoing First Minister Mark Drakeford, who claimed that harmful attacks on social media are one of the main barriers preventing more women from getting involved in politics.
Commenting, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS said:
“I welcome the First Minister’s condemnation of vile personal online attacks on female politicians, speaking from my own personal experience I know first hand how exhausting it can be to receive horrific abuse online.
As the only female leader of a political party in Wales, I know all too well the perils of social media when it comes to abuse from cowards hiding behind their screens.
The reaction that female politicians receive from certain sections of social media can be both emotionally and mentally draining.
These so-called “keyboard warriors” represent the very worst of our society, faceless brutes with nothing better to do with their lives than spread their misery and hatred to others.
More action must be taken to curb these trolls, whilst many of their comments are nothing but empty threats, the mental impact they have can be severe.
We must do more to protect female politicians from harmful online abuse, whilst also at the same time encourage more women to get involved in politics”.
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