Misogyny refers to hatred of or contempt against women or girls based on their gender. If you’re a woman and you have been treated differently or poorly as a result of your gender, you have been a victim of misogyny. Misogyny is sometimes known as sexism.
Misogyny is not a crime but is considered to be the root cause of many types of gender-based violence (GBV), including domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and revenge porn.
Sexist and misogynistic ideas are built have become built into our culture after decades of male dominance. However, this does not mean it is okay and no one should have to put up with it.
Examples of misogyny: Misogyny can take many forms. It can be expressed through negative ideas about women and their role within society, like thinking that women do not deserve equal pay with men and that women should not be in positions of power. It could also involve treating women like objects, by using objectifying or derogatory language or dismissing women’s feelings, either with or without their knowledge. Catcalling and unwanted flirting or touching would also be considered acts of misogyny, as well as calling women names like ‘darling’, ‘lassie,’ or ‘doll’ in a workplace environment.
More extreme forms of misogyny include instances of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and assault. Extreme misogyny has become more common recently with the rise of the involuntary celibate community – an online group of men who are unable to get a romantic or sexual partner. The community expresses a hatred of women through offensive and toxic language and threats of violence. The culture mainly exists online, but sometimes these misogynistic ideas can lead to real-world violence.
Society has changed over recent decades, and women are now much more aware that they don’t have to put up with misogyny, and it shouldn’t be normalised. Just because certain things were tolerated in the past, it doesn’t mean anyone is entitled to think or act in a misogynistic way.
Independent specialist support (UK specific)
- Scottish Women’s Rights Centre offers free and confidential legal advice and advocacy support for women who have been affected by violence and abuse. Call the helpline on 08088 010 789. The helpline is available 10:00-12:30 on Mondays, 12:00-15:00 on Tuesday and 10:00-13:00 on Wednesdays.
- AMINA – The Muslim Women’s Resource Centre provides a Telephone Befriending service for a listening eat and wellbeing support, as well as a Helpline for Muslim women affected by domestic abuse. Call 0808 802 0301 to access support and information about anything that may be bothering you. Both services are available 10:00-16:00, Monday to Friday.
- Victim Support Scotland provides free and confidential help to victims of crime, their family, friends and anyone else affected. They give information, and emotional and practical support. Call 0800 160 1985. The helpline is available 08:00-20:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00-01:00 on Saturday. You can also contact them via their webchat service, or by completing the online Self-Referral form.