Indi MP Helen Haines is fighting for her life, having lost her leg after she was struck by a vehicle in an alleged attack by a 43-year-old man outside her electorate office.
Fellow federal MPs told AAP they were deeply saddened, but not surprised, by violence levelled at their widely respected colleague.
Dr Haines had recalled town hall meetings that were "on the uncomfy side" as constituents became angry about topics such as vaccinations and renewable energy, Community Strong co-founder and Warringah MP Zali Steggall told AAP.
In the past year, reports of harassment towards Australian politicians rose from 951 to 1067. For women, that included immediate danger and comments with sexual overtones.
Independent MP Sophie Scamps said that despite it all, she would continue being seen out in public alone, wearing ugg boots, so constituents knew she was human.
"When I took this role, I knew some people would hate me no matter what," she said, describing moving from being a trusted GP to having people scream she was disgusting.
"But the best thing I can do is be there for my community. It's about listening, not telling."
Ms Steggall said it was crucial not to change how she presented as a result of threats.
"I've tried not to because that defeats the purpose, for me, and that lets the haters win," she said.
The cross bench, where minor parties and independents sit in parliament, has played an influential role in recent years in seeking to soften political debate.
Authenticity and humility were at the heart of that.
"This isn't about being a politician. It's about going to my local shops, into my community, and just living life," Community Strong co-founder Allegra Spender said.
A few years ago, "What Would Helen Do" shirts were produced; a sentiment the women are clinging to.
But it comes with a cost.
Georgie Purcell, a state Victorian MP for the Animal Justice Party, said it was difficult to balance personal safety with public visibility as a member of a minor party, because not as much protection was available.
Ms Purcell's office keeps its door locked at all times - the first advice she was given when elected - and entry is by appointment only.
Even then, visitors are vetted at the door and her team always works with the blinds drawn.
"(Rising threat levels) limits the way female politicians can access their community," she told AAP.
"People think I am not available or not in my office."
The 33-year-old was the first Australian politician to trial a now widely-used system that automatically deletes harmful social media comments.
She said it removed 80,000 comments in less than six months.
Almost all the women AAP spoke to said they could not advertise where they were holding pop-ups or information sessions, even in public places, which limited meaningful discourse.
Others, including Ms Steggall and Dr Scamps, chose not to use X and on some occasions, Facebook.
Politicians often take security detail to events or limit public access if a situation feels dangerous, and the Australian Federal Police are constantly informed of their whereabouts.
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