Rutland and Melton's MP calls for more to be done to prevent online abuse directed at women
A debate in parliament's taking place today on the 'online abuse of elected women representatives'
Internet trolls are being urged to 'think twice' before they post abuse online by the MP for Rutland and Melton.
Alicia Kearns has been speaking about the topic, with a debate on the 'online abuse of elected women representatives' taking place in Parliament today.
It's going ahead between 9.25am-11am.
The 33-year-old, who was elected back in 2019, says it happens all too often:
"I think it has really surprised me, since becoming an MP, how many people spend hours of their days being abusive.
"A few people have even tried to get me banned from certain institutions within our community, all because I'm an MP.
"Whether it's a death threat, a sexual threat, or a threat towards my family, it's just a sad state of affairs that this sort of thing is happening at all.
"Ultimately, it's a reflection on that individual that they feel incapable of engaging with their elected representative in an appropriate manner.
"Of course, it's upsetting that we still see this in communities as wonderful as Rutland and Melton.
Mrs. Kearns went on to tell us about how intimidating the abuse can be for some:
"I think it's really disappointing that some people think it's appropriate to target my home or family, and there's no question that it puts women particularly off going into public service, because that's what the research shows.
"It's really important that we all demand better of ourselves and those around us.
"One of my colleagues was woken up at 4am just last week by the Police, who needed to search her house to check that there wasn't an intruder.
"People think that online threats might be small, but actually this could encourage someone else to do something truly awful."