'I've experienced some quite horrific online and offline abuse'
York Central MP Rachael Maskell has been sharing her experiences ahead of a debate in Parliament.
It's feared online misogyny and hate speech could put women in York off going into politics.
A debate is taking place in Parliament this morning - talking about the abuse faced by elected female representatives.
The summary of the debate reads: "Following the 2017 General Election, the then Prime Minster, Theresa May, was asked about intimidation in the recent election campaign.
"At the first Prime Minister’s Questions session of the 2017 Parliament she was asked 'what can be done to stop such intimidation, which may well put off good people from serving' in Parliament.
"The Prime Minister subsequently requested that the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) should conduct an inquiry into abuse and intimidation experienced by Parliamentary candidates."
York Central MP Rachael Maskell says online abuse is a problem that she and her fellow colleagues in Parliament face too much: "I think that it's important that there's a broader understanding of the online threats, sexist and misogynistic language that women face.
"Also, it's important that women feel safe online and in person. We know that only around a third of MPs are women, which is unbelievable in 2021. We need a more equal Parliament going forward, but we also know that some MPs left Parliament because of the environment.
"Many more have decided not to stand to become MPs or even councillors because they're concerned about their role in public life.
"I think it's really important that there are safeguards in place, and that threats of violence and rape are attacked head-on.
"The Prime Minister bringing forward making misogyny a hate crime would be an important first step. I'm always perplexed when constituents write to me, don't know me and make incorrect assumptions about me.
"We need to treat each other with dignity and show respect. We can disagree on issues well, absolutely - I'm always keen to hear my constituent's viewpoints".
Rachael says there's a worrying trend growing: "I would have to say that I have faced some horrific online and offline abuse; I think most MPs have.
"However, I'd have to say I've had it far less than MPs such as Diane Abbott, who has had the worst online abuse of any MP. I certainly know that black and minoritized MPs and LGBT MPs have had it far worse.
"One act is one too many, and it's really important that we get on top of this. We need to see far better accountability of social media companies; they need to be immediate in taking down postings where people are perpetrating hate or violence.
"We need to make sure there's a better way of addressing each other on social media, and the public can play a role in that. Let's have the debate in a framework of respect".
The debate lasts from 9.25-11am.