Understanding Violence Against Politicians
Violence Against Politicians
Violence against Politicians (VAP) refers to any physical, psychological, or symbolic act intended to harm, intimidate, silence, or coerce political actors because of their political role, views, or activities.
It can occur online or offline, and includes threats, harassment, assault, or even assassination. Such violence aims to influence political behavior, deter political participation, or destabilize democratic processes.
It can be perpetrated by state actors, non-state actors, or individuals, and often disproportionately affects women, minority, or opposition politicians.
Types of Violence
Psychological Violence
Hostile behaviour that causes fear or emotional harm, including sexist insults, threats and sustained harassment
Physical Violence
Any act or threat of bodily harm such as slapping, pushing or assault at rallies or meetings
Sexual Violence
Unwanted sexual advances, remarks or coercion in political settings, from inappropriate touching to demands for sexual favours
Economic Violence
Denial or withdrawal of financial or material resources entitled to a public official, or deliberate damage to property, used to punish or intimidate
Digital Violence
Online harassment, threats, doxxing, hacking or disinformation aimed at silencing or intimidating politically active people
VAP can lead to:
Inhibited Leadership & Political Debate
Politicians hesitate to take bold stances and withdraw from public debate, undermining their effectiveness.
Erosion of Trust & Credibility
Persistent threats and harassment can tarnish a politician’s reputation, weakening public confidence in their integrity.
Disruption of Democratic Continuity
Under sustained threat, officeholders may leave their posts early or opt not to run (re)for election, destabilizing governance and representation.
Personal Harm & Trauma
Beyond physical danger, targeted politicians frequently suffer psychological trauma, fear, and a decline in mental wellbeing.
VAP Glossary
Understanding violence against politicians requires shared definitions. This glossary provides clear explanations of terms like “deepfakes,” “doxxing,” “gender-based political violence” and “impunity.” Use these definitions to guide your research, inform your advocacy and protect those who serve.
Term | Definition | Category |
|---|---|---|
Bots | Automated social media accounts used to amplify messages, spread misinformation, or harass political figures, often distorting public discourse. | Information Warfare |
Deepfakes | Digitally manipulated audio or video content designed to deceive or discredit politicians, often used to spread misinformation or fuel harassment. | Information Warfare |
Doxxing | Publishing or sharing personal or private information (e.g., addresses, phone numbers) online with the intent to harass, intimidate, or endanger. | Digital Harassment & Coercion |
Gender-based political violence | Acts of violence or coercion directed at individuals—most often women—in political spaces, motivated by their gender or to reinforce gender norms and hierarchies. | Gender Based Violence |
Impunity | The lack of accountability or legal consequences for perpetrators of violence, often enabling repeated or escalating attacks. | Accountability & Resilence |
Intimidation | Threats or actions designed to instill fear or discourage participation in political life or public service. | Digital Harassment & Coercion |
Misinformation | False or misleading information spread intentionally or unintentionally to discredit, confuse, or endanger political actors. | Information Warfare |
Online harassment | Hostile, threatening, or abusive behavior conducted through digital platforms, including trolling, cyberstalking, and hate speech. | Digital Harassment & Coercion |
Political assassination | The targeted killing of a politician for political motives, often intended to disrupt governance or deter political change. | Physical Violence |
Political violence | Violence driven by or directed at political actors, goals, or processes. Includes civil unrest, coups, and targeted violence against politicians. | Physical Violence |
Resilience (political) | The capacity of politicians or political institutions to endure, recover from, and adapt to threats or violence. | Accountability & Resilence |
Sexual harassment | Unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or behavior—including online or in public forums—used to intimidate or undermine politicians, often disproportionately affecting women. | Gender Based Violence |
Symbolic violence | Non-physical forms of harm, such as demeaning language, degrading imagery, or public shaming, that aim to discredit or diminish a politician's legitimacy. | Digital Harassment & Coercion |
Targeted violence | Acts of violence focused on specific individuals due to their political role, affiliations, or identity. | Physical Violence |
Trolls | Individuals who deliberately provoke or harass politicians online, often as part of coordinated campaigns to silence or intimidate. | Information Warfare |