Perhaps it’s the fact that domestic violence against women is so commonplace that threats of violence against women seem more credible, and so, more alarming. In this sense, I think it’s right in putting it into the same category as homophobia and racism.

Ultimately, the best response is the same, don’t feed the troll. But on the topic of the wider discussion, I reckon there’s a more useful debate to be had around whether or not there is enough observance of Wheaton’s Law — Don’t be a dick! — in online discussions.

Trolls will be trolls. I’m more concerned and disturbed by otherwise gentile netizens behaving like trolls when they think they have the mob on their side. If seen this far too often from groups of people – skeptic fanbois in particular (though certainly not exclusively) – who should know better.

However, I don’t think there’s any harm in pointing out that misogyny is part of troll activity because we live in a society where many people think that feminism has done its work yet misogyny is still rife, from rape to lower wages.

So yes, let’s have a wider discourse but not discourage individuals from speaking out about their personal experience whether that’s misogyny, homophobia or just plain abuse.