The Impact of Online Abuse on Women's Peak Performance

Unpacking the Silencing Effect for Women in Sport, Business and Beyond ….

75%

of reports to the eSafety Commissioner are from women & girls

85%

of female athletes said online abuse impacted their wellbeing

9 / 10

elite sportswomen experienced general online harm

85%

of women globally have experienced online abuse

Welcome! If you’re here, it’s likely you attended Yasmin’s recent presentation at SXSW Sydney or heard about this crucial topic from someone close to you.

Yasmin London and Luke Cook explored the alarming rise of online abuse and harassment which disproportionally targets women in high-profile roles— specifically high-profile figures such as professional athletes, journalists, and business leaders.

They discussed the often-overlooked consequences of online harassment, including its detrimental effects on mental health and wellbeing, to its true impacts on peak performance and how online abuse threatens women’s economic empowerment through the Silencing Effect, which pressures women into self-censorship, ultimately hindering progress on global diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives.

Looking to the future, with technologies like Generative AI, the Metaverse, and Augmented Reality emerging, the potential for misuse and abuse only grows.

Protecting yourself, your family, and your community

Digital resilience is no longer optional—it’s a strategic priority for individuals and organisations alike. In today’s world, where technology touches every aspect of our lives, we can no longer afford to be passive about online discrimination and technology facilitated gender-based violence.

The eSafety Commissioner provides information for women on how to protect themselves in the online world.

eSafety advice for women online

How do we make digital spaces safer and inclusive

Social Protect is an app that you can download to shield you against online abuse.

The impact of social media on young minds

Early intervention is key

In today’s digital age, young people are constantly bombarded with content on social media. While some of it is harmless, much of what they consume can have lasting negative effects. Without proper guidance, exposure to inappropriate or harmful content can shape behaviors that manifest as abusive and toxic actions in adulthood—particularly towards women.

We’ve seen this play out across media, with increasing reports of trolling and online abuse targeting women, often from individuals who grew up in a culture of unchecked content consumption. This is where early intervention becomes crucial. Stopping this harmful cycle starts with educating parents and carers, empowering them to recognise the signs of negative content and equipping them with tools to guide their children toward safer, more respectful online behavior.

How your business can make a difference

Equip your teams with the latest digital trends and online safety strategies
Book a Cyber Safety Education Session
Contact Yasmin to find out how she can support your organisation in building digital resilience

Turn awareness into action

Book Yasmin now

If you’re interested in taking this conversation further, you can book Yasmin London to speak at your workplace, organisation, or community group.

Together, we can build stronger, safer digital spaces.

Download resources

Download: Yasmin's eBook: Digital Resilience, a new era in workplace wellbeing

Download: eSafety Resource: Online abuse in the workplace - for employers

Download: eSafety Resource: Online abuse in the workplace - for workers

Yasmin + Layne Beachley

Layne Beachley AO, is a seven time world surfing champion and founder of the Awake Academy. She is the current Chair of Surfing Australia.

Through the Awake Academy, Layne shares over 40 years of lived and learned personal experiences to empower you to own your truth.

Yasmin + Shaynna Blaze

Shaynna Blaze is an interior designer and TV personality. She co-hosted ‘Selling Houses Australia’ and is a judge on the popular TV program ‘The Block’.

Shaynna is an advocate for women, and a social justice campaigner who has supported a number of organisations tackling domestic violence in Australia.

Yasmin + Liz Ellis

Liz Ellis AO is a former member of the Australian Women’s Netball Team from 1992 – 2007. She went on to be a mainstay of the team, participating in the 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 World Championships and the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Liz is currently the Chair of Netball Australia.