New Snapshot report explores AI, weaponisation and the changing landscape of VAWG

73% say government must do more on violence against women and girls, as new report warns of “rapidly evolving” threats driven by AI, online misogyny and the political weaponisation of gender-based violence.

Nearly three-quarters of the public (73%) believe the government should be doing more to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), according to new YouGov polling published today by the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW).

Released alongside EVAW’s latest Snapshot report, which provides an overview of the past year with analysis of trends and recommendations, the findings reveal widespread public concern about the role of the internet and artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling abuse. The report also highlights the ways that violence against women and girls is increasingly being weaponised in political and public discourse, and reflects on the increased public, media and political attention on boys and men – from the manosphere to the ‘lost boys’ narrative – highlighting potential pitfalls in current framings and approaches.

The public sees the online world as increasingly dangerous, and demands stronger regulation

The polling shows a stark picture of how the public views women and girls’ safety online, two years since the landmark Online Safety Act was passed. 

• 74% people think the internet is either already dangerous (33%) or has become more dangerous for women and girls in the last year (41%)
• And it is young people who feel this increased danger most keenly – 61% of those aged 18 to 24 believe the internet has become more dangerous for women and girls in the past 12 months

Concerns are particularly acute in relation to AI:

• Over half of women (53%) and 71% of those aged 18-24 think AI has made it easier to harm women and girls online
• 79% of women (and 65% of men) believe more regulation or laws around AI is needed for the protection of women and girls

EVAW’s report warns that AI is rapidly transforming violence against women and girls, enabling abuse at unprecedented scale. This includes documenting the spread of deepfakes and image-based sexual abuse, as well as the harms of AI companions on gender and relationship norms. It also compiles evidence of AI chatbots encouraging boys and men to abuse women and girls and spread attitudes that constitute misogyny and misogynoir.

Weaponisation of VAWG distorts discussions and drives harm

Ahead of the May elections, the report highlights a trend of violence against women and girls being instrumentalised and politicised to serve wider agendas – particularly racist and anti-migrant narratives.

EVAW warns that this weaponisation:

• Increases harm for marginalised women, including migrant women and women of colour
• Distorts public understanding of where and how VAWG occurs
• Fuels division and misinformation
• Undermines efforts to prevent violence and support survivors

This trend is closely linked to the rise of online misogyny and the amplification of harmful narratives across digital platforms.

Men and boys in focus, but will this lead to change? 

The report reflects on the swell of attention on boys and men over the past year – from the manosphere to men’s mental ill health and boys’ educational attainment. New polling illustrates that the public can see how expectations of what it means to be a man in today’s society not only fuel male loneliness, but also rates of domestic abuse and sexual violence against women.  

The report highlights the importance of ensuring that work with boys and men is gender transformative – addressing the root causes of gender inequality, rather than just treating symptoms – and is informed by the experiences and voices of women and girls.

Our latest YouGov polling finds:

• 57% say expectations of men have increased loneliness among men and boys
• 47% believe these expectations have increased domestic abuse and sexual violence against women and girls

As such, the report reflects on current approaches focused on boys and men; guiding action that will unpick the harmful gender norms at the root of male violence against women and girls, alongside disrupting the systems that enable it. This includes addressing an online environment shaped by the monetisation of harm. 

System under pressure as risks increase

These developments are taking place against a backdrop of:

• Ongoing endemic levels of VAWG experienced by women and girls everyday (as evidenced in the latest data on prevalence, referenced in the report)
• Chronic underfunding of specialist VAWG services and service closures
• A criminal justice system that has continued to crumble

Today’s report provides an in-depth analysis of the government’s new VAWG strategy, which EVAW welcomes, while warning that without sustained investment, commitments to prevent VAWG and support survivors in a changing world will continue to fall short.

Janaya Walker, Interim Director of End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), said:

“This polling shows the public understands both the scale of violence against women and girls and how it is changing. Nearly three-quarters of people want the government to do more, and are especially concerned about the role of the internet and AI in making abuse easier and more widespread.

Our report also highlights a deeply worrying trend: the weaponisation of violence against women and girls in political and public debate. This distorts the reality of abuse, fuels division, and ultimately makes women and girls less safe.

Alongside this, harmful gender norms and online misogyny are shaping attitudes and behaviours in ways that increase violence against women and girls.

The government has a clear mandate from the public to act. We welcome the VAWG strategy, and as part of its delivery we seek stronger regulation of AI and tech companies, sustained investment in prevention and specialist services, and a commitment to challenge the narratives and systems that enable and excuse abuse.”

ENDS 

Notes to Editor:

• All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,005 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 5th – 6th February 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
• Polling available here
• Download the report here: VAWG-Coded: From AI to Weaponisation – the Changing Landscape of Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)