Independent journalist Rachel Gilmore from Montreal has been enduring persistent online harassment and threats, which she describes as aggressive and widespread. The situation intensified when she began reporting on online extremists, leading to increased threats after her name appeared on a right-wing website linking her to the murder of an American activist. Gilmore has documented numerous instances of death threats, rape threats, and manipulated videos sent to her on social media.
Despite reaching out to the police multiple times with evidence and threats, Gilmore expressed feeling like she was merely creating a paper trail for her eventual murder. This alarming trend aligns with a recent UN Women report that reveals a significant rise in online violence against female journalists globally, affecting them both professionally and personally.
The report disclosed that a growing number of female journalists have reported incidents of online violence to the police, with a notable increase in anxiety and depression diagnoses among those affected. The definition of online violence encompasses various harms caused by the use of digital tools, leading many female journalists to self-censor on social media platforms and at work due to the threats they face.
In Canada, online harassment against journalists, particularly women and journalists of color, has been well-documented. The country’s press freedom index highlights the threat posed by online harassment to female and minority journalists. Reports from various organizations underline the pervasive nature of online hate and harassment within the journalism industry, with many female journalists encountering such challenges regularly.
To address this escalating issue, Canadian newsrooms are implementing support systems for employees, including safety plans and buddy systems. However, freelance and independent journalists remain vulnerable, lacking the same level of institutional support. Calls for policy changes and law enforcement intervention to combat online harassment have been echoed, emphasizing the urgent need to address this pervasive problem.
Rachel Gilmore, who now heads her media company, Bubble Pop, emphasizes the importance of not silencing journalists faced with online harassment. She believes that forcing victims to minimize their online presence only exacerbates the issue and diminishes the diverse perspectives they bring to journalism. Despite the ongoing attacks she faces online, Gilmore remains resolute in her commitment to her work, though she acknowledges the lack of institutional safeguards as demoralizing.
As she continues to navigate the challenges of online harassment, Gilmore insists on being transparent about the realities of journalism, cautioning aspiring journalists to enter the field with a clear understanding of the risks involved.