Technology has changed many of the things we do and the way we do them. But, they have also brought some real-world threats to the digital world, such as the digital violence against women, also known as online gender violence. In the same way as in the physical world, this expression of violence can have very serious physical, mental and emotional repercussions on the life of those who suffer it.
But what is digital violence against women?
Digital violence against women refers to any form of violence exercised through digital media or in online spaces and that can harm women of all ages and social conditions. This does not occur in a single way, learn about some of its manifestations below.
online harassment
Women are often victims of online harassment, which can include threatening messages, offensive comments, insults, and personal attacks directed at their gender. Social networks, forums, messaging applications are some of the online spaces where this can occur.
Defamation and humiliation
Other expressions of digital violence are online defamation and humiliation, where a woman’s reputation is attacked by spreading false information or disclosing intimate images without her consent.
Cyber bullying
It is a serious form of digital violence that involves the use of technology to harass, threaten or intimidate. This may include repeatedly sending malicious messages, posting humiliating content, or creating fake profiles to harass the victim.
revenge porn
It refers to the fact that an ex-partner or people with bad intentions share intimate images or videos of the victim without their consent.
Sextortion
Another form of digital violence that involves blackmailing a woman into providing money, intimate images or performing sexual acts through digital media, under the threat of spreading compromising content.
Identity fraud
The creation of fake profiles is another form of digital violence that seeks to defame or damage someone’s reputation.
The different expressions of digital violence against women can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims. On an emotional level, it can cause anxiety, depression, fear and a decrease in self-esteem. On a social level, it can lead to isolation and the loss of meaningful relationships, among other long-term consequences in your life.
The case of digital violence against Rosalía
Although we think that digital violence only affects some people, the case of the Spanish singer Rosalía, which occurred a few months ago and was widely reported through the media, made it clear that Any woman is vulnerable to becoming a victim.
The Spanish singer denounced how another singer used images of her almost naked to promote a song. The images were taken without your consent of the social network Instagram and altered with the help of tools based on artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the singer hinted that she had shared them with him.
“A woman’s body is neither public property nor a commodity for a marketing strategy,” said the singer, who was also emphatic in pointing out: “There is something called consent.”.
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What can be done to combat digital violence against women?
The best strategy to combat digital violence against women is creating a safe online environment. Learn about some actions that can help reduce risks in digital spaces:
- Educate about digital violence, its consequences, warning signs and the importance of reporting it.
- From governments and institutions, the implementation of effective policies and laws that protect women against digital violence.
- It is important that victims of digital violence can have support and advice to recover.
- Promote empathy and respect in the online space.
In it # Movement We are aware of the multiple advantages that the development of technology has generated, but we also think that it is possible to make the Internet a safe space for everyone. Through our website we share for prevent sexual abuse and various forms of violence.
Today we want to invite you to already join us to support our cause with a. Remember! Every dollar counts to help rewrite the lives of many survivors of sexual abuse.