A recent report by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) highlights the challenges posed by the rise of sexist online influencers and artificial intelligence in addressing violence against women and girls. The assessment warns that technology is increasingly being used as a tool for coercion and abuse, creating an environment where exploitation can occur on a large scale with limited accountability.

The report identifies figures associated with the online "manosphere," including Andrew Tate, as contributing to a growing culture of misogyny, particularly among teenagers. This environment is linked to a notable increase in repeated violence against women and girls committed by young offenders, often aged between 10 and 17. Offences commonly involve sending malicious messages and harassment, with victims typically falling within the same age group. The NCVPP points to child-on-child offending as a significant concern, frequently influenced by online exposure, peer norms, and underlying vulnerabilities.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Millichap, director of the NCVPP’s new £13 million unit, described the report as providing the clearest insight to date into the threats faced by women and girls and underscored the necessity of focusing resources accordingly. She emphasized that while domestic abuse remains the most significant threat, the nature of offending is evolving alongside technological advances and increasing exploitation risks for children and young people. Millichap also highlighted the critical role of repeat offenders in perpetuating harm, stressing the importance of early risk identification and intervention to prevent further victimisation.

The report details how recent technological developments are rapidly transforming the landscape of threats, with online abuse, sexual extortion, and revenge pornography becoming increasingly intertwined with physical-world offences. This convergence presents new challenges for law enforcement, safeguarding organisations, and technology providers alike. While acknowledging that offences committed by children can cause significant harm, the report also calls attention to the fact that some young perpetrators may themselves have experienced trauma, vulnerability, or abuse.

Furthermore, the NCVPP assessment points to the role of algorithmic amplification on mainstream online platforms as a likely driver in the rise of misogynistic content over the past three years. Algorithms have reportedly boosted sensational or polarizing material such as gender-hostile "self-improvement" and anti-feminist content, further complicating efforts to curb harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Overall, the report presents a complex picture of how sexist influence and emerging technologies intersect to increase risks for women and girls, while also complicating prevention and enforcement efforts in this area.