Combating Impunity for Online Violence
Online violence against journalists is increasing exponentially. Women journalists are particularly likely to become targets: preliminary findings of a recent global study highlight that 73% of women journalist respondents reported that they had experienced online violence as a result of their journalistic work, including threats of physical and sexual violence, along with digital security attacks. Online violence comes in many forms. It can result in significant psychological harm and spill offline, yet most perpetrators go unpunished. A climate of impunity emboldens perpetrators and perpetuates a cycle of violence against the media.
Media Defence combats impunity for online violence. We help journalists fight back through the courts through grants to cover legal fees and pro bono legal assistance to their lawyers.
Coalition Against Online Violence
Media Defence has joined forces with the Coalition Against Online Violence to combat online violence against journalists. The Coalition offers support, bolsters journalists’ digital security and empowers media to keep their employees safe.
Featured Cases
Troll Farms and Threats: One Journalist’s Resilience in the Face of an Online Smear Campaign
Warning: Contains descriptions of gender based violence and harassment. Troll Farms and Threats After posting a Twitter (now X) response
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves
UN Rapporteurs Call for Protection of Brazilian Journalist Schirlei Alves Amid Defamation Charges Stemming from Rape Trial Coverage A letter
Paola Ugaz and the judicial harassment of journalists in Peru
Paola Ugaz is an award-winning Peruvian investigative journalist. In 2015, she co-authored – with Pedro Salinas – a book entitled
LGBTQ+ Journalism: Freedom of Expression, Online Violence & Censorship
Online violence against LGBTQ+ journalists Online violence is a pervasive and growing problem across the media sector. As such, it