Cara Hunter: Derry deputy mayor speaks out about abuse

Cara Hunter was elected to Derry City and Strabane district council in May 2019

Londonderry's deputy mayor has spoken out about the abuse and harassment she has endured since being elected as a councillor.

Cara Hunter, of the SDLP, said she had received sexually violent and threatening abuse online and by phone.

The 24-year-old was elected for the first time in May 2019.

She said she had to have her contact details removed from Derry City and Strabane District Council's website due to the abuse.

She has also taken advice from police.

"People will message me saying 'you need to come out to my house'," she told BBC Radio Foyle.

"It's always men, middle aged men, if I'm honest, for things that can be solved over the phone via text or Facebook message.

"I am held to ransom where these men, if you do not come to their house, sort their issue face to face, [they say] 'I am going to go online , I am going to publicly blast you, humiliate you, and damage your reputation', even though you are willing and able of resolving their issue," she said.

Often the language "is sexually violent, uninvited and unwelcome," she added.

She said while criticism over political policies was part of public life, personal abuse was not acceptable.

"You are getting comments about weight, comments about makeup, how you look, how your hair is," she said.

"Your male colleagues fundamentally, are not put up to the same level of criticism whatsoever.

"I'm doing my job just like any man on the council, and I should not be met with such comments just for carrying out my role."

Cara Hunter (left) with Derry Mayor Michaela Boyle. They are the first two women to serve in the top roles at the same time since the council was formed

The issue of women in political life in being abused and threatened has been highlighted by a number of high profile political figures.

Former Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan was subjected to a number of threats, including phone calls from 64-year-old Robert Vidler telling her her "days were numbered". He was jailed for 18 weeks.

Liberal Democrat MP Heidi Allen- formerly a member of the Conservatives and Change UK - stood down from parliament due to the abuse she faced.

Ms Hunter said she had received "weird messages at all times of the night.

After two months as deputy mayor, she had her contact details removed from the council website.

She said there was not enough focus on the issue of young women in politics and their safety and when it was raised it was not being taken seriously enough.

"I have to rationalise with myself, this is not a crazy concept to be concerned about your well being," she said.

"We want young women's voices to be heard, we don't want there to be barriers."

'Relentless abuse'

SDLP party leader Colum Eastwood commended Ms Hunter for speaking out.

He said urgent action was needed to end abuse and harassment faced by many, particularly women, in public life.

"It is unfortunate that this is not unique and it happens to public representatives across the north and around the world," he said.

"Many elected members, particularly women, face relentless abuse of a personal nature on social media."

Ms Hunter has consulted with police and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) over her safety fears.

A NILGA spokesperson said abuse of public representatives was becoming a "growing issue."