Worldwide Surge in Violence and Abuse Against Politicians: IPU Survey

New York, February 12, 2026 — Politicians around the world are facing an alarming increase in threats, harassment, and violence, according to a survey released by the global Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on Wednesday. The report warns that rising attacks, often amplified by modern technologies, could have serious consequences for democracy worldwide.

The IPU survey, mostly conducted in 2025, gathered responses from lawmakers in over 80 countries, with detailed questionnaires sent to 519 elected officials in Argentina, Benin, Italy, Malaysia, and the Netherlands to provide a global perspective.

Key Findings

• 71% of respondents reported experiencing some form of violence or intimidation.

• Online harassment was the most common, with women facing disproportionate sexualized abuse.

• Lawmakers said the rise in threats had affected their willingness to engage publicly, with many censoring their own statements to avoid attacks.

IPU Secretary-General Martin Chungong told a press conference at the United Nations in New York that uncontrolled intimidation could limit representation and weaken democracy. He said the situation was particularly severe in the United States, citing attacks against Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and previous assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump during his 2024 reelection campaign.

Chungong explained that new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are being used to fuel threats and online harassment. Much of this abuse is anonymous and, in some cases, involves state-backed actors.

He warned that the rise in attacks could discourage future generations from entering politics, saying, “Over time, intimidation risks narrowing representation.”

The IPU, which represents 183 national parliaments, called for stronger measures to protect elected officials and to address the growing threat of online and offline violence against lawmakers.