Online violence is not something you should get used to. Let's strive together to stop this.

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Get support and guidance.

Many women journalists face daily harassment and abuse online as well as organized troll campaigns. If you are one of them, CFWIJ is here to help you. Our team documents and monitors instances of organized trolling campaigns, and we are dedicated to supporting women journalists in dealing with this. On this page, you will find resources and information to help you navigate and respond to online violence. If you need help, we invite you to use our report button above to let us know and we will provide the necessary support and guidance. Together, we can work towards creating a safer online environment for women journalists.

  • Do not suffer in silence. Download our practical guideline for women journalists on how to respond to online harassment.

    >Download here.

  • The Coalition For Women In Journalism has launched a new initiative to support women journalists in building emotionally healthy lives. The dangers of the job and its hefty demands can take a toll on any journalist, often at the expense of their mental health. We wish to express our support not only through our advocacy work but also by sharing your experience of dealing with the challenges of our profession.

    >Find more here.

  • JSafe, an app launched by The Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI) and The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ), to help journalists fight against threats and find the resources they need when they find themselves in threatening situations.

    Download it for iOS and Android

  • If you need more resources, check the websites of organizations below.

    >Coalition Against Online Violence

    >Committee to Protect Journalists

    >Article 19

    >IWMF

    >International Center for Journalists

    >OSCE

    >Free Press Unlimited

Make it heard.

In 2022, the CFWIJ has documented dozens of cases of online violence against women journalists in Canada - the majority of them from far-right, anti-immigrant and anti-mask groups. However, it is no surprise that the digital space has become hostile towards women journalists right after right-wing politician Maxime Bernier tweeted a provocative message targeting Canadian journalists. A move that has historically led to journalists receiving hateful backlash from his support base. Canadian women journalists who have been targeted spoke up against online trolling.

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We advocate for women journalists.

CFWIJ monitors and documents organized troll campaigns against women journalists. In 2022, our team documented at least 49 major cases of targeted harassment and abuse directed at women journalists around the world. This does not include dozens of trolls women journalists encounter daily. The figure reflects deliberate and targeted campaigns. These online death and rape threats which are often disregarded in most cases reach a level that endangers women journalists in real life.

Featured
Israel/Palestine: Threats and Attacks against Women Journalists Covering the Conflict
Israel/Palestine: Threats and Attacks against Women Journalists Covering the Conflict

During the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict, the fundamental principles of press freedom have come under dire threat.

Pakistan: Benazir Shah Endures Coordinated Online Harassment and Hacking - Women Press Freedom Calls for Stricter Regulations
Pakistan: Benazir Shah Endures Coordinated Online Harassment and Hacking - Women Press Freedom Calls for Stricter Regulations

WPF stands in solidarity with Benazir Shah, a prominent Pakistani journalist, who recently endured a coordinated campaign of online harassment and had her Twitter account hacked following her comments on a blasphemy case.

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Online violence exists everywhere.

Regardless of their location or profession, women journalists are at risk of experiencing online harassment and abuse. CFWIJ publishes special reports on cases of organized troll campaigns against female reporters s in various countries, providing insight into the specific challenges and dangers that they face in those regions. These reports are crucial for action to be taken to protect women journalists everywhere.

See all reports