Since entering politics Helen Blackburn has experienced online abuse, but recently it's been escalating rapidly. Almost nine in 10 women in public office or running for election have experienced online abuse. Three-quarters believed online abuse of women in politics had increased in the past two years. Online abuse has made women in public office question their future, including mayor Helen Blackburn. (PR IMAGE PHOTO)She has thought about resigning after facing various forms of online abuse since 2020, which has been detrimental for her mental health and reputation.