Little engagment with security efforts despite threats against MPs rising - Parliamentary Service
The Parliamentary Service has raised concerns about the increasing threats and abuse directed towards MPs, particularly women, highlighting a troubling trend in political engagement. A recent inquiry by the Parliament's Petitions Committee focused on the scale of intimidation faced by female MPs and local representatives. Despite the alarming rise in threats, the service noted that MPs have shown limited engagement with available security measures, which hampers efforts to address the issue effectively. Former political staffer Sam Fisher, who initiated the petition, emphasized that aggressive behavior and violent threats are not only discouraging women from pursuing political careers but are also detrimental to the democratic process. The committee's findings revealed that a significant number of politicians experience harassment, with a survey indicating that 91% of women and 83% of men reported instances of bullying and harassment. Notably, women often face more severe online abuse and everyday intimidation. The report also highlighted the pervasive nature of this abuse, which occurs both online and in public spaces, sometimes in the presence of children. Local Government New Zealand corroborated these findings, noting that many politicians choose not to report incidents, reflecting a broader culture of silence around such abuses. The committee plans to consider insights from the Ministry for Women, aiming to address these pressing concerns without launching a separate inquiry at this time.
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