OU researcher calls for online violence against women to be addressed

Evidence from an OU academic into the relationship between media and online violence against women, was cited in the UK House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee report on Sexual harassment of women and girls in public spaces, which was published on 23 October 2018.

Dr Olga Jurasz, OU Senior Lecturer in Law, submitted the evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee, arguing that the Government needs to recognize the Internet as a public space where various forms of online abuse, including sexual harassment, occur. It is also suggested that there is a greater role to be played by social media platforms to curtail the phenomenon of online harassment. The evidence submission included a number of recommendations, including a proposal that new law addressing online abusive behaviour is created - an idea now being pursued by the Law Commission.

The report focuses also on the relationship between media culture and sexual harassment, referencing the evidence submission by Dr Jurasz. The evidence submission was based on her research into legal regulation of online social media abuse, especially various forms of online violence against women, including online misogyny.

She added: “It is great to see the recognition of Internet – and social media in particular – as public spaces in which sexual harassment of women and girls takes place. Such forms of online, gendered abuse are prevalent and need to be addressed. The publication of the Report marks a step in that direction, but more still needs to be done to improve the law and the quality of responses by social media platforms.”

Read the full report on: Sexual harassment of women and girls in public places.