Violence in election campaigns is on the increase. Last year, an SPD member of the European Parliament was beaten up. In Tübingen, many election posters were torn up by political opponents before the federal election on February 23, 2025. On the internet, there are more and more lies, hate and agitation: politicians are insulted or threatened – even with death.
More than 1000 politically active people surveyed
Violence against politicians takes many forms. This was the result of the study “Attacked & Left Alone” by scientists from the University of Applied Sciences for Politics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the human rights organization HateAid. They examined how and to what extent politically active people in Germany experience digital violence and how their behavior changes as a result. To do this, they surveyed 1114 people online who were politically active at all levels and from all parties represented in the Bundestag.
Threatened with beatings or rape
The results: More than half of the participants have already experienced hostility. Women are affected more often (63 percent) than men (53 percent). Almost a quarter of women have been threatened with physical sexual violence such as rape. For men, it was mainly beatings or murder.
Many women are considering withdrawing from politics
The consequences: More than half of those affected use social media less. 22 percent of female politicians and ten percent of their male colleagues can imagine no longer getting involved in politics. “Women are already underrepresented in parliaments and parties,” says Prof. Janina Steinert from TUM.
Platforms must take responsibility
According to the Digital Services Act (DSA), social media platform operators are actually required to reduce negative impacts on social debates and electoral processes. “Especially after Meta’s announcement that it would be limiting fact-checking and moderation, this is all the more important,” HateAid writes in a statement. The organization advises and supports all those affected by digital violence.
See the study at: HateAid | Politically Engaged and Digital Violence
You can also contact HateAid directly there.
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