Digital violence against genders refers to the use of digital platforms and technology to perpetrate violence, harassment, and abuse based on gender. It disproportionately affects women, girls, and gender-diverse people, manifesting in forms such as cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, sextortion, deepfake pornography, cyberstalking, and online hate speech.

This violence aims to intimidate, silence, and humiliate victims, often spilling over from online into real-world physical and psychological harm���.

Forms of Digital Violence Against Genders

Sextortion: Threatening to release sexual information or images to coerce victims.

Image-based abuse: Sharing intimate photos or videos without consent.Cyberstalking and doxxing: Tracking, exposing private information, or threatening individuals online.Online harassment and hate speech targeting women, girls, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Use of AI technology to create non-consensual deepfake pornography, mostly targeting women���.

Impact on Victims Digital violence causes severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. It also leads to economic harms as victims reduce their digital presence to avoid abuse. Moreover, it exacerbates gender inequality by silencing women and gender-diverse voices in online and public spaces, discouraging their participation in political, social, and professional realms���.

Gender-Specific Dimensions

Women and girls are disproportionately targeted, with estimates showing up to 38% of women experiencing online violence.Public figures like women politicians, journalists, and activists face coordinated attacks to silence or discredit them.Transgender and gender-diverse people experience particularly severe psychological impacts from such abuse���.

Efforts to Address Digital Violence Global campaigns and policy efforts emphasize the need for stronger legal frameworks addressing cyber harassment and gender-based digital violence. Awareness campaigns highlight the critical link between online violence and broader gender-based violence, advocating for protective measures and technology that supports safer online environments for all genders���.

This digital violence is a modern extension of traditional gender-based violence, requiring urgent action for gender equality and online safety reforms��.