In the first ever event of its kind in Wales, UNISON is today (25 November) running a training course in Cardiff to raise awareness of online abuse of women. The programme, ‘Combating Cyber Violence against Women and Girls,’ will help safeguard public services workers against cyber-bullying and inform those experiencing abuse of where to find support. 25 November is International Day for the Elimination of Violence towards Women & Girls.
UNISON’s Jane Gebbie said,
“We’ve all heard of women politicians or celebrities suffering disgusting abuse online just for being famous and female. The truth is online sexist abuse of ordinary women and girls is an everyday phenomenon and it’s probably happened to someone you know or someone living in your neighbourhood. Online abuse can be vile and stomach-churning and traumatise those concerned. Online abusers think freedom of speech means freedom to insult. It is not acceptable under any circumstances.
“We want to empower women to stand up against cyber-violence and abuse. This course should give women the confidence to deal with online abuse effectively. Women need to know they are not alone, there is a support network available and serious abuse must be reported to the police.”
Guest speaker Lis Burnett is Deputy Leader of Vale of Glamorgan Council and she experiences cyber-abuse on a daily basis. Lis said,
“For women in public life, cyber abuse and bullying is a daily occurrence. It can make you reconsider engaging with the public but that’s not a choice if you believe in openness and transparency. We have to find an urgent solution.”
To find out more about online abuse, including how to report incidences of abuse, see www.scaredofsomeone.org