Threats force Sarkeesian from home

Threats against Tropes vs. Women in Video Games creator Anita Sarkeesian and her family drove her to leave her own home yesterday.

Sarkeesian revealed the extent of the threats on Twitter, which included her address, adding that she was safe and the authorities had been notified.

She later posted a screenshot of some of the abuse in question, along with a trigger warning, and said: “I usually don’t share the really scary stuff. But it’s important for folks to know how bad it gets.”

I’m safe. Authorities have been notified. Staying with friends tonight. I’m not giving up. But this harassment of women in tech must stop!

— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) August 27, 2014

In my work I witness so many women being harassed. I know how hard it is to watch & how helpless it can feel. Thank you all for your support

— Feminist Frequency (@femfreq) August 27, 2014

Sarkeesian has been subjected to much abuse since her successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in 2012 that raised $158,922 to fund her Tropes vs. Women in Video Games series. In the videos, promised to explore common and recurring stereotypes of female characters in games.

Her latest video, published this week, explores women “as background decoration trope in video games” to “examine how sexualised female bodies often occupy a dual role as both sexual playthings and the perpetual victims of male violence”.

The series has received high-profile backing from the likes of Naughty Dog creative director Neil Druckmann and Avengers director Joss Whedon.

You can watch the latest Tropes vs. Women in Video Games video below.