Calls to classify misogyny as a hate crime are being revived to combat the increase in surreptitious filming of women and girls in public areas. Advocates and experts in digital harm, along with MP Wera Hobhouse, are pushing for misogynistic behaviors to be considered criminal offenses in England and Wales.
Proposed legislative changes would enable misogyny, characterized by animosity or prejudice against women and girls, to be recognized as a potential component of crimes like stalking or harassment. Incidents of women and girls being covertly recorded in public settings, whether during nights out, exercise routines, or simple walks, are on the rise, with the footage often being shared online without consent.
These videos are frequently monetized online, with commentary and sharing focusing on sexual gratification, derogatory or misogynistic perspectives, or for entertainment based on humiliation. Mrs. Hobhouse presented her initiatives at a roundtable discussion that brought together campaigners, scholars, and experts in online harm and violence against women to address the issue of women being filmed without their knowledge in public spaces.
During the event, it was highlighted that in 2024, Greater Manchester Police arrested an individual for creating and selling voyeuristic content but failed to prosecute him due to insufficient evidence of criminal behavior. Mrs. Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat MP representing Bath, argues that amending the law would facilitate the prosecution of covert filming for misogynistic purposes and has urged the Law Commission to reconsider its 2022 recommendation against classifying gender-based prejudice as a crime.
She emphasized that covert filming and voyeurism are symptomatic of a broader societal misogyny, aiming to intimidate women and diminish their public presence and voices. Mrs. Hobhouse pledged to continue advocating for the recognition of misogyny as a hate crime, seeing it as a crucial step that could positively impact various other legislative measures. Olga Jurasz, Director of the Centre for Protecting Women Online, pointed out that technology is exacerbating misogyny issues and attributed the problem to inadequate investment in preventing violence and discrimination against women and girls.
Jurasz highlighted the existing sexism, misogyny, and gender discrimination that have persisted due to a historical lack of investment in combating violence and gender stereotypes. She warned that the convergence of these societal issues with advancing technology is amplifying the problem.
