Story perspectives

71% of Lawmakers Face Violence, Women Targeted Most

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

An Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) survey found that 71% of lawmakers in more than 80 countries faced public violence, especially online.
The survey involved 519 elected officials from Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
Women were disproportionately targeted, particularly with sexualized abuse.
Martin Chungong, secretary general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, warned intimidation could curb representation in the United States, citing attacks on Governor Josh Shapiro and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.

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Story summary

An Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) survey found that 71% of lawmakers in more than 80 countries faced public violence, especially online.
The survey involved 519 elected officials from Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands.
Women were disproportionately targeted, particularly with sexualized abuse.
Martin Chungong, secretary general of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, warned intimidation could curb representation in the United States, citing attacks on Governor Josh Shapiro and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.