AdvertisementPoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Editorial Trolls take their toll as online abuse turns women off politics The Herald's View Editorial August 5, 2026 — 5:52pmAugust 5, 2026 — 5:52pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. New research found almost 90 per cent of the female politicians surveyed had experienced gendered online abuse. AdvertisementThree-quarters believed online abuse of women in politics had increased in the past two years. Half said online abuse had made them question whether they would run for office again. Women for Election CEO Licia Heath said the abuse was worse for politicians from multicultural backgrounds, LGBTQ+ women and young women.