The Inter-Parliamentary Union has published a global survey reporting a marked uptick in violence, threats and harassment directed at politicians, with much of the abuse occurring online. The survey, conducted mostly in 2025, drew on questions submitted to lawmakers across more than 80 countries and included detailed questionnaires completed by 519 elected officials in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia and the Netherlands to build a representative global picture.
The IPU, which represents 183 national parliaments, reported that 71% of respondents said they had experienced violence from the public - particularly through online channels. The organisation noted that women were targeted more frequently than men and were disproportionately subject to sexualized forms of abuse.
Speaking at a United Nations press conference in New York, IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong said lawmakers and parliamentarians around the world were facing a surge in intimidation. "If the phenomenon ... is allowed to go uncontrolled, this will have major repercussions for democracy worldwide," he said.
Chungong described the situation in the United States as "very acute," citing attacks on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar as examples. He also referenced assassination attempts against the now-President Donald Trump, noting in particular a 2024 campaign incident in which a shot struck his ear.
The IPU chief said many lawmakers reported moderating what they say or write because of online abuse and concerns for their personal safety. That caution has had a tangible effect on public engagement by elected officials, with some reducing their public-facing activities as a direct result of harassment and threats.
Chungong warned that this chilling effect risks narrowing representation over time. "Over time, intimidation risks narrowing representation," he said.
According to the IPU, attacks on politicians are being amplified by new technologies, including artificial intelligence. The survey found that a large share of online abuse and incitement was conducted anonymously, and that such campaigns could involve state actors.
The survey's findings point to a multifaceted challenge: high levels of reported violence and harassment, a disproportionate burden on women, the use of anonymous and technologically supported methods to spread abuse, and reported changes in lawmakers' behaviour driven by safety concerns. The IPU's assessment underscores the potential democratic consequences if the trend continues unchecked.