Calls to classify misogyny as a hate crime have been renewed to address the increasing trend of surreptitious filming of women and girls in public areas. Advocates and specialists in digital harm have teamed up with MP Wera Hobhouse to revive discussions on criminalizing misogynistic behavior in England and Wales.
Proposed legislative changes would encompass misogyny, defined as animosity or prejudice towards women and girls, as a potential component of offenses like stalking or harassment. Incidents of women and girls being clandestinely recorded in public settings, whether during nights out, exercising, or simply going about their daily activities, are on the rise, with the footage often being shared online without consent.
The captured videos are frequently monetized online, with discussions and shares focusing on sexual satisfaction, derogatory remarks, or misogynistic opinions. During a roundtable gathering, Mrs. Hobhouse presented her initiative to address the issue of women being covertly filmed in public, emphasizing the need for legal amendments to facilitate the prosecution of misogynistic filming.
In a recent incident, Greater Manchester Police arrested an individual in 2024 for producing and selling voyeuristic content but faced challenges in pursuing legal action due to insufficient evidence of criminal activity. Mrs. Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat MP representing Bath, underscored the importance of revisiting the recommendation made by the Law Commission in 2022 against classifying gender-based bias as a criminal offense.
She highlighted that covert filming and voyeurism in nightlife settings are indicative of deep-rooted misogyny within society, aimed at suppressing women’s voices and restricting their freedom in public spaces. Emphasizing that legal recognition of misogyny is not a panacea but a significant step forward, Mrs. Hobhouse pledged to continue advocating for its classification as a hate crime.
Olga Jurasz, Director of the Centre for Protecting Women Online, pointed out that technology is exacerbating the issue of misogyny and attributed it to a lack of investment in safeguarding women and girls against violence. She highlighted the role of sexism and discrimination in fostering such behaviors, stressing the urgent need for societal commitment to combating gender-based prejudice and discrimination.
Jurasz warned that the convergence of technological advancements with societal issues is amplifying the challenges, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address sexism and misogyny.
