New Report Finds Widespread Threats Against Female Journalists

March 12, 2014

The International News Safety Institute (INSI) and the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) have released a 40-page joint report on violence and harassment against women in the news media. 

The first of its kind, the report features the responses of 977 participants worldwide, and paints a comprehensive picture of the types of violence and threats that female journalists encounter. It includes sections on issues such as intimidation, digital threats and abuse, physical violence and sexual harassment, as well as recommendations for preparedness, prevention and protection. Elana Newman, the Dart Center's Research Director, is featured in a chapter devoted to coping with trauma.

Some essential findings of the report include:

  • Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents said they had experienced some form of intimidation, threats or abuse in relation to their work, ranging in severity from name-calling to death threats.
  • The majority of threats, intimidation, and abuse directed toward respondents occurred in the workplace, and was perpetrated most often by male bosses, supervisors, and co-workers.
  • Most incidents of harassment and violence were never reported, even though a majority of women who experienced them said they were psychologically affected.

Click here to access "Violence and Harassment Against Women in the News Media."

Dart Blog