Threats against politicians are on the rise. How can we move to a better, safer politics?

After the alleged attack on independent MP Helen Haines, Australian politicians have shared their own stories of abuse. The minister for women, Katy Gallagher, says her children have been threatened. Tanya Plibersek received a note hoping her children would die of painful cancers. Male MPs get threats too. David Pocock has moved house several times over safety fears. But the abuse is mostly aimed at women, and often at their families.

Haines, the member for Indi, lost both legs after a driver allegedly hit her twice outside her office in Wangaratta. A man has been charged. A parliamentary report last year found 85% of MPs and staff had dealt with people acting in a violent, threatening or unstable way. The former Australian Federal Police chief said threats to women often focus on their looks and include graphic sexual violence. Experts link the rise to social media, where anger spreads fast and stays online forever.

When threats push good people out of public life, voters lose their voice. Keeping politicians safe is now part of keeping democracy healthy.