Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: Definition, Forms, Effects & Prevention

• Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is a growing threat to women and girls and needs to be nipped in the bud.

Technology has undeniably revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

However, with this advancement comes the dark side of online gender-based violence (OGBV) also known as technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). As individuals, particularly women, encounter new and insidious types of abuse in the digital realm, this silent epidemic is becoming a growing concern the world over.

In celebration of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, this article delves into the complexities of TFGBV, its forms and effects, and the critical need for a holistic approach to addressing this issue.

What is technology-facilitated gender-based violence?

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is a form of gender-based violence that is perpetrated, instigated, or exacerbated by the use of technology, resulting in or likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological, social, political, or economic harm or other violations of rights and freedom.

Technology has become a potent weapon for abusers to expand their reach and control, from online harassment and stalking to the non-consensual sharing of intimate and nude photos. Social media sites and other online platforms have become breeding grounds for cyberbullying, online threats, and privacy violations.

This type of violence infiltrates many facets of victims’ lives, including their homes, phones, and workplaces, and can occur both online and in physical spaces.

TFGBV takes many forms, which include:

• Sextortion: blackmail by threatening to publish sexual information, photos, or videos.
• Image-based abuse: sharing intimate photos without consent
• Doxing: sharing private personal information.
• Cyberbullying: using digital tools to harass, intimidate, or humiliate someone
• Online gender and sexual harassment: unwanted sexual advances, comments, or messages online
• Cyberstalking: using digital tools to track, monitor, or harass someone
• Online grooming for sexual assault: using digital tools to manipulate or coerce someone into sexual activity
• Hacking: gaining unauthorized access to someone’s digital accounts or devices
• Hate speech: using digital tools to spread messages of hate or discrimination
• Online impersonation: pretending to be someone else online to deceive or harm others
• Using technology to locate survivors of abuse: using digital tools to track down and harm survivors of gender-based violence
• Controlling survivors’ use of technology
• Defamation

The rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence and its effect

The prevalence of TFGBV is increasing as technology becomes more integrated with our daily lives. The anonymity provided by online platforms emboldens abusers, allowing them to target victims without fear of immediate repercussions. Additionally, the global nature of the internet means that TFGBV can transcend geographical boundaries, making it a truly pervasive issue that requires a coordinated international response.

The long-term psychological effects of TFGBV can be severe, with victims experiencing anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation. The consequences of TFGBV go beyond the digital sphere, profoundly affecting victims’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Fear of online harassment can lead to self-censorship and withdrawal from online spaces, limiting victims’ access to information and social connections. TFGBV is also commonly linked with in-person gender-based violence and may lead to offline violence, posing a threat to the safety of women and girls.

Addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence

Addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) requires a multi-faceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including survivors, policymakers, civil society organizations, technology companies, and the broader public. Some strategies to address TFGBV include:

• Raising awareness and education

Increasing public knowledge of the dangers and repercussions of TFGBV by educating women and girls in particular, as well as by encouraging digital literacy and healthy online conduct.

• Providing support for survivors

Giving survivors access to social, health, legal, and justice solutions in addition to support services like counseling and safe spaces is a key component in empowering them.

• Advocating for regulation and accountability

Holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, including through legal and policy measures, and advocating for the regulation of technology companies to prevent and respond to TFGBV. Technology companies must take a proactive stance in preventing and addressing TFGBV on their platforms. This includes developing and implementing robust reporting mechanisms, investing in advanced content moderation tools, and actively collaborating with law enforcement to identify and apprehend perpetrators.

• Investing in prevention and elimination

Ensuring that public and private sector entities invest in TFGBV prevention and elimination, particularly through research and intervention financing. Donors, human rights defenders, and advocates can also play a role in mitigating technology-facilitated gender-based violence through targeted funding of research and interventions and using evidence to inform human rights campaigns.