The Dark Side of Women's Sports: Abuse, Stalking, and Death Threats

The world of women's sports has made tremendous progress in recent years, with female athletes achieving great success and gaining widespread recognition. However, this increased visibility has also led to a surge in online abuse, stalking, and even death threats. Many sportswomen have spoken out about the constant barrage of negative comments and messages they receive on social media, which can be damaging to their mental health and wellbeing. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, recently shared her own experience of being subjected to abusive comments about her appearance, and how she chose to respond to them. Evans stated that she believes it's essential for female athletes to support each other and stand together against online hate. The issue of online abuse is not limited to rugby; it's a problem that affects women in all sports. A recent report found that 40% of social media abuse towards female athletes comes from frustrated gamblers. The report also revealed that many players have received death threats and explicit messages from online trolls. The physical presence of obsessive fans can also be a problem, with some athletes reporting being followed and harassed by individuals who have become fixated on them. The Online Safety Act 2023 has imposed strict duties on social media companies to combat online abuse, but many argue that the measures do not go far enough. Sport England Chair Chris Boardroom has written to Ofcom, raising concerns about the online racist and sexist abuse directed at female athletes. Ofcom has recommended a series of measures to tech giants to tackle online abuse, including prompts telling users to reconsider harmful messages and stopping payments for posts promoting misogynistic abuse and sexual violence. Some female athletes, such as Charley Hull, have spoken out about their experiences of online abuse, saying that they are not fazed by the hate they receive and can ignore the opinions and judgments made by people hiding behind their keyboards. However, for many others, the constant barrage of negative comments and messages can be overwhelming and damaging. As the world of women's sports continues to grow and evolve, it's essential that we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of female athletes, both online and offline. This includes creating a culture where online hate and abuse are not tolerated and where athletes feel supported and protected. By working together, we can create a more positive and inclusive environment for female athletes to thrive.