The 25th November – 10th December marks 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. This year, the focus of this global campaign is on ending digital abuse against women and girls.
Women and girls are most at risk of abuse, and those who are refugees or have a disability are even more vulnerable and may find it harder to access support.
1 in 3 women are affected by violence against women and girls.
What is digital abuse?
Digital abuse includes:
- Image based abuse – non-consensual sharing of intimate images
- Cyberbullying
- Deep fakes and digitally manipulated images, videos or audio
- Online harassment
- Hate speech
- Publishing of private information (Doxxing)
- Online grooming and sexual exploitation
- Online stalking or surveillance
- Catfishing
- Misogynistic sites, forums and communities
The rise of the Manosphere
The ‘Manosphere’ is a term to describe online communities promoting unhealthy or aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man, and the idea that feminism and gender equality have come at the cost of men’s rights. These beliefs encourage men to build themselves up by putting others down.
Online abuse often leads to violence offline in real life. This includes physical abuse, coercion and even the killing of women and girls. (femicide)
Where can women and girls get support after experiencing online abuse?
- Safety Net – local charity providing support after abuse
- Love Respect by Women’s Aid – provide advice about empowerment and support after abuse
- Refuge – domestic abuse support service
- Victim Support UK – support and advice for victims