The Countryside Alliance has launched a survey aiming to reveal the true extent of the barrage of online abuse facing many farmers, butchers and country sports supporters on a daily basis.
Over the last 12 months, its anti-bullying campaign reached over 1.2 million people and called on social platforms to take the threats seriously and take action on those who incite hatred and violence.
However, from a quick scroll of any major social media platform, it is clear that many who are passionate about the countryside continue to experience online bullying for their beliefs and occupations.
In one case, a young female farmer told the BBC she was branded a “murderer and rapist” by vegans online.
The short survey asks respondents to share their experiences and also offers business owners who have seen their firms targeted the opportunity to respond.
‘Everyone should feel safe online’
All responses will be treated in the strictest of confidences, but aim to help Countryside Alliance understand how social media companies are responding to online abuse directed and shine a light on the bullying and harassment that often goes unreported.
Countryside Alliance head of policy Sarah Lee said: “Everyone should feel safe when using social media and appropriate protections should be in place to prevent attacks designed to intimidate and silence.
“We hope that this survey will raise awareness to the online abuse that some people in rural communities face, and the results will help the Countryside Alliance continue to put pressure on the Government and social media platforms to do more to protect people on social media.”
