Police launch campaign against online abuse targeting women and girls

A police force has initiated a campaign to enhance public awareness regarding the online abuse and harassment experienced by women. South Yorkshire Police stated that such abuse can occur on any digital device and in any setting, including homes, workplaces, public transport, or urban environments. The force indicated that its Know More initiative aims to remind individuals that “it’s never just a joke, a bit of banter or for fun” and that certain abusive messages and posts constitute a crime. A spokesperson conveyed that they want people to comprehend that abusive and threatening messages have a “lasting impact” on victims and should be treated with seriousness. Cyber-stalking, cyber-flashing, threats of harm, rape and death, and the intentional sharing of false information are all recognized as crimes, according to the force. The campaign, launched on the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, specifically addresses these offenses, which were incorporated into the Online Safety Act 2023. “Certain abusive messages and posts are a crime and all of them have a real-life impact on the women and girls who experience it,” the force affirmed. It highlighted that individuals with a public online profile, such as politicians, influencers, and journalists, are “disproportionately affected.” The force cited recently published data suggesting that three quarters of women working in journalism in the UK have encountered rape or death threats, harassment, and stalking. This police campaign is funded by the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and follows the force’s No More and Do More campaigns in 2022 and 2023, which also focused on combating violence against women and girls. Its development involved input from the force’s violence against women and girls (VAWG) independent advisory group – composed of individuals with lived experience of VAWG or those working in organizations that support women and girls who have experienced this type of violence – alongside other partners. Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett remarked: “Not only do we see violence against women and girls in the real world, but sadly nationwide we’re also witnessing a concerning rise in the number of reports of online abuse and harassment with stalking and harassment accounting for 23% of all online offences.” ACC Barnett noted that offenses continue to be heavily underreported. “It has long-lasting implications for victims.” She added, “We’re encouraging everyone to understand the seriousness of these appalling behaviours and recognise them for what they are.”