Cyber Violence Exists
Description
What is cyberstalking? Can there be non-consensual sexting? What forms does image-based sexual abuse take? Is sexist hate speech a form of gender-based violence? Where does consent begin and where does it end?
Aim
In light of the increasing incidents of online abuse and sexual harassment, the campaign entitled “Cyber Violence: it exists” highlights the crucial importance of consent, both online and offline, in order to raise awareness and educate the public on consensual online communication.
Data
Online gender-based violence/cyberviolence is a global phenomenon. Despite the absence of an internationally agreed definition and the lack of data, recent research highlights that this form of violence disproportionately affects women and young girls, but also LGBTQ people:
1-4 women in Europe have experienced some form of online abuse or harassment, according to a recent Cybersafe report (2021)
9-15% of LGBTQ people in the EU, aged 15-54, have experienced online violence, according to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA, 2020)
