Knight Fellow Newsletter

December 15, 2022

Online violence takes many forms: threats of physical violence and sexual assault, abusive language, financial and personal intimidation, digital security attacks, private harassment, among others. It especially targets journalists who are women.

The Chilling: A global study of online violence against women journalists

ICFJ’s publication of The Chilling concludes a three-year global study on online violence against women journalists. The research project, commissioned by UNESCO in 2019, is the most geographically and ethnically diverse investigation published on the subject, highlighting the continued and changing challenges faced by women journalists around the world. Edited by ICFJ’s Dr. Julie Posetti and Nabeelah Shabbir, The Chilling details the concerning trends seen in online violence and presents solutions. The study draws on the experiences of more than 850 international women journalists who have suffered a wide range of online attacks.

International Center for Journalists @ICFJ

Published with the support of @UNESCO & led by ICFJ's @julieposetti, our book-length study ‘The Chilling’ reflects the voices of 850+ women journalists from around the world, who were interviewed & surveyed about #onlineviolence. Read now: buff.ly/3FOAcCB

Promoting a Safer Environment for Women in the Media

Providing women journalists with resources can help support those under attack and prevent further online violence.

Former ICFJ Knight Fellow Shaheryar Popalzai contributed to Pakistan-based CEJ IBA’s Resource Kit for women in the media, also supported by UNESCO. The kit covers digital safety basics, editorial guidelines and legal assistance to lower risks and increase safety for women journalists.

As an additional resource, Posetti commends the IWMF guide: a tool that provides mental health guidance for women dealing with online violence.

Dr. Julie Posetti @julieposetti

A valuable new tool for responding to the impacts of #onlineviolence against women journalists: A Mental Health Guide written by specialist psychologists and published by @IWMF. It addresses a gaping hole in resources available to those under attack 👉🏻 bit.ly/IWMF_MentalHea…

bit.lyA Mental Health Guide for Journalists Facing Online Violence - IWMFOnline violence is often only considered a digital safety issue, but the impact of online abuse on journalists’ mental health is significant and has serious consequences for them, their work, and for press freedom. This is particularly true for women and diverse journalists who are disproportiona...

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