Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: A Growing Concern

A human rights agency, the Defenders Coalition, has sounded the alarm over technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV), a growing and under-recognised threat to human rights. According to the organisation's policy position paper, TFGBV is a pandemic that needs urgent attention, with digital violence targeting women and gender minorities being pervasive and deeply harmful. The coalition describes TFGBV as any act of violence committed, aggravated, or amplified through digital means such as social media, messaging platforms, or other online spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• The Defenders Coalition defines technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) as any act of violence committed, aggravated, or amplified through digital means.
• TFGBV often targets individuals based on gender and includes harassment, threats, doxxing, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
• Online abuse is a systemic barrier to women's full participation in the digital world and restricts freedom of expression, silences critical voices, and undermines equality.
• Existing legal frameworks often fail to address the unique nature of TFGBV, leaving survivors without meaningful recourse.
• The coalition calls for comprehensive and gender-sensitive legislation that enables full prosecution of offenders, alongside the development of justice systems that prioritise survivor support and access to redress.
• Accessible psychosocial support for victims is critical, as many suffer in silence due to stigma or lack of knowledge about available services.
• Increasing public awareness and education within communities is seen as critical to addressing and preventing TFGBV.
• Women, girls, and gender minorities must be actively involved in crafting policies and solutions, and their voices must be central to the national conversation around digital safety.
• An intersectional approach is necessary to understand TFGBV, recognising that individuals experience online violence differently based on their race, class, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Online space must be governed by principles of safety, dignity, and non-discrimination, with responsibility placed on governments and technology companies to protect users from abuse.

Statistics:

• The Defenders Coalition estimates that TFGBV is a pervasive and deeply harmful phenomenon.
• According to the position paper, online abuse restricts freedom of expression, silences critical voices, and undermines equality, especially for women and gender-diverse individuals.
• The coalition warns that TFGBV affects victims' mental health, safety, and livelihoods, with many suffering in silence due to stigma or lack of knowledge about available services.

Sources:

• Defenders Coalition, "Policy Position Paper: Technology-Facilitated GBV" (Exact date not provided in the source)