In 2021, the European safety of journalists platform recorded a 57% annual increase in the number of alerts they had received concerning the harassment and intimidation of journalists. Most threats were physical, but digital harassment is also on the rise, with women in particular being the target of online threats and abuse.

According to a 2021 UNESCO report, women from marginalised backgrounds received the most hate,  in the form of racism, homophobia, religious bigotry, sectarianism and other forms of discrimination. ​​

Intimidation, harassment and smear campaigns can cause significant psychological damage. They can also represent a risk to the physical security of those affected, who may decide to self-censor to avoid being targeted. For This could mean choosing not to use their real name or image in their work, or moderating their viewpoint.

Even if the displaced journalist feels safe in their country of refuge, they may still have family members at home to consider. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the risks posed in continuing to report on their own region from exile – not just to the individual journalist but to all those associated with them, including employers.