Violence and abuse against female politicians needs to be “urgently tackled” says FF Senator

Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn has called for “urgent action” to tackle violence and abuse directed at women in politics.

The Fianna Fáil Senator was speaking following the publication of new research she launched with Women for Election examining the scale of gender based violence experienced by female members of the Oireachtas.

The report, published as part of a five-country European comparative research project, found that 96% of female TDs and Senators who responded had experienced online violence, while almost nine in ten had experienced psychological abuse. More than seven in ten reported receiving threats directed at themselves or their loved ones.

Senator Comyn said the findings should concern everyone, regardless of gender or political affiliation.

“Violence against women in politics is not simply an issue affecting individual politicians. It is an issue that affects the health and strength of our democracy itself. When women are silenced, discouraged or driven out of public life, our political institutions become less representative, less inclusive and ultimately less effective.”

The research also found that 65% of respondents had changed how they use social media because of abuse, while almost half had altered the way they canvass or campaign due to safety concerns. Two-thirds said they had increased security measures at home or at work.

Senator Comyn said the report exposes the reality many women in public life face every day.

“No one should have to accept abuse, threats or intimidation as simply part of doing their job. Yet for too many women in politics, this has become the norm. That is unacceptable.

“We want more women to put themselves forward for public office. That becomes much harder when candidates see the abuse, harassment and threats experienced by those already serving. We cannot allow intimidation to become a barrier to participation in public life.”

Senator Comyn discussed the report on the latest episode of the Fianna Fáil In Our Words podcast with Aldagh McDonogh, Chair of Women for Election, and Darcy Lonergan, Development and Support Manager with Women for Election.

On the podcast, Senator Comyn said:

“When you silence people, when you silence women, you are silencing democracy. Unfortunately, there is an effort to shut down voices and discourage women from participating in public life.”

She also highlighted comments made during the discussion by former Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, who contributed to the report.

“People say that if you can’t handle the heat, don’t go into the kitchen. I’m sorry, but the kitchen is on fire now. We have to act.”

As Chair of the Irish Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Senator Comyn said the report provides a roadmap for meaningful change.

Senator Comyn noted the timely nature of the report, speaking on the recent murder of Ann Widdecombe in the UK, she said:

“The violent death of Ann Widdecombe, a woman who dedicated her life to public service, is profoundly shocking.

“She was a woman of immense character and remarkable resilience.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Ann’s family, friends and the many colleagues whose lives she touched throughout her years of public service.

“A woman of deep and abiding faith, may she now rest in eternal peace.”