The cost of doing politics in Ireland: What does violence against politicians look like and how is it gendered?

Abstract

Women who contest election in Ireland report experiencing political violence more often than men, experience different forms more frequently (specifically, degrading talk and false rumours), and are more likely to experience political violence with sexual connotations. Women are also more likely to report being less willing to run for election in future. These findings present challenges for efforts to improve gender equality in political representation in Ireland.