NDP Leader Alison Coffin says she’s disturbed but not surprised by incidents of online trolling and abuse being heaped upon female candidates since the writ was dropped on Friday.

Liberal candidate Karla Hayward tweeted on the weekend that she has already been a target of such attacks, saying it hit her hard despite her awareness and research on the topic.

Coffin says she’s experienced the same, whether it’s online, on the street or in the House of Assembly.

She says it’s grossly inappropriate to attack someone for their gender or views, no matter where or how it’s relayed, and she urged those targeted to stay strong and stand up to the abuse.

Coffin made the comments while releasing details of her party’s election platform in St. John’s yesterday.