The digital landscape, once envisioned as a democratizing force for global communication, has increasingly become a fraught territory where women and girls face unprecedented levels of hostility. Technology-facilitated violence against women and girls (TF VAWG) is no longer a peripheral issue or a niche concern for IT departments; it is a pervasive human rights crisis that mirrors and amplifies the inequalities found in the physical world. Statistics indicate that the prevalence of this digital abuse is staggering, with estimates suggesting that between 16 and 58 per cent of women and girls have encountered some form of online harassment or violence. While the internet offers a veil of anonymity for perpetrators, the psychological and physical consequences for victims are devastatingly real.
This crisis does not impact all women equally. Those who exist at the intersection of multiple forms of discrimination—including women with disabilities, those from marginalized ethnic backgrounds, and younger girls—often find themselves targeted with heightened intensity. Furthermore, women who occupy public-facing roles, such as politicians, journalists, and activists, are frequently subjected to coordinated campaigns of digital abuse designed to silence their voices and drive them out of the public sphere. For these women, the digital world is not just a workspace; it is a battlefield where their professional reputation and personal safety are under constant assault.
The evolution of technology has introduced increasingly sophisticated and disturbing methods of harm. One of the most alarming developments is the rise of non-consensual intimate image-sharing, a practice that has been supercharged by the advent of generative artificial intelligence. Deepfakes—AI-generated images or videos that place a person’s likeness into sexually explicit or compromising scenarios—are being used as tools of coercion, humiliation, and blackmail. Unlike traditional forms of harassment, deepfakes can be created with minimal technical expertise, making it easier than ever for abusers to violate a woman’s bodily autonomy without ever touching her. This technological shift has created a sense of "digital haunting," where victims live in constant fear that their likeness will be manipulated and distributed across the permanent record of the internet.
Beyond individual attacks, digital platforms are being weaponized to spread gendered disinformation. This is not merely "fake news"; it is a calculated strategy to reinforce extreme misogyny and fuel ideological hatred. We are witnessing the growth of toxic online ecosystems, particularly within predominantly male extremist circles and "incel" (involuntary celibate) communities. These groups utilize social media to disseminate harmful rhetoric that dehumanizes women and girls, framing them as objects of resentment. This online radicalization has a direct pipeline to offline behavior, as digital vitriol often serves as a precursor to physical violence.
In certain communities where rigid honor codes are prevalent, the stakes of digital exposure are life-threatening. An image posted online, whether shared consensually or as an act of "revenge porn," can serve as the catalyst for honor-based crimes in the physical world. In these contexts, the digital trace becomes a permanent mark on a family’s reputation, leading to devastating consequences for the women involved. The bridge between a social media comment and a physical act of violence is shorter than many realize, making the need for a robust institutional response more urgent than ever.
In recognition of this escalating threat, the Secretary-General’s UNiTE campaign has pivoted its focus this year to demand a coordinated and effective police response to digital violence. Law enforcement agencies serve as the primary line of defense for survivors, and their role in the justice process cannot be overstated. When a woman or girl makes the difficult decision to report digital abuse, her initial contact with the police sets the tone for her entire journey through the legal system. A dismissive or skeptical response from an officer can lead to secondary victimization, discouraging the survivor from pursuing justice and allowing the perpetrator to continue their abuse with impunity. Conversely, a serious, empathetic, and professional intake process can empower survivors and provide them with the safety they need to navigate the aftermath of an attack.
Improving the law enforcement response requires a fundamental shift in how TF VAWG is perceived. It is not "just the internet," and the harm is not "just words." Online threats cause prolonged psychological distress, often leading to anxiety, depression, and a total withdrawal from digital life. To address this, police forces must adopt a victim-centered, trauma-informed, and context-led approach. This means moving beyond traditional investigative techniques to ensure survivors are connected with holistic support systems, including mental health services, legal counsel, and social support. Furthermore, police must be equipped to provide practical guidance on digital hygiene, helping survivors secure their online presence and prevent further breaches of privacy.
Some progress is already visible on the global stage. Several countries have pioneered the use of secure online reporting portals, which lower the barrier for victims who may be too intimidated or traumatized to report incidents in person. These portals allow for the efficient collection of digital evidence, such as screenshots and metadata, which are crucial for building a case. However, the burden of safety should never fall solely on the victim. It is a fundamental principle that those targeted by technological tools should not be the ones responsible for managing the risks those tools create.
Accountability must extend to the judicial systems and the social media giants that host this content. While legislation often lags behind technological innovation, police can and should utilize existing laws—such as those governing stalking, harassment, or hate speech—to prosecute digital offenders. There is also a pressing need for law enforcement to forge stronger partnerships with digital platforms. Tech companies must be held to a standard where they are compelled to take down abusive content swiftly and share data that can help identify perpetrators, particularly those hiding behind the shield of anonymity. In jurisdictions where specific TF VAWG laws are missing, police can look to international norms and best practices, such as the establishment of specialized cybercrime units or the appointment of e-safety Commissioners who are dedicated to raising awareness and overseeing digital safety.
Education remains a cornerstone of this transition. Police officers require ongoing, flexible training that accounts for the rapidly changing nature of digital tools. This training should not be limited to specialized tech units; every officer on the beat needs to understand the gendered dimensions of cybercrime. Identifying the nuances of digital violence—such as the specific patterns of incel rhetoric or the mechanics of AI-generated abuse—is essential for effective intervention.
The global nature of the internet necessitates a multisectoral response. Law enforcement cannot solve this problem in a vacuum. It requires a coalition of private and public stakeholders, including tech developers, non-governmental organizations with technical expertise, and women’s rights advocacy groups. By working together, these entities can focus on prevention-based digital safety and community awareness programs that encourage the early reporting of incidents.
France has emerged as a leader in this international effort, spearheading initiatives within the High-Level Network on Gender-Responsive Policing. This network currently comprises twenty-two committed countries: Albania, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Latvia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Niger, Peru, Romania, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Uruguay. These nations have pledged to strengthen their institutions and ensure that perpetrator accountability is a priority. As a representative from the French Ministry of the Interior noted, the rapid escalation of online violence in its newest forms requires an urgent increase in our collective knowledge and understanding to protect victims effectively.
Ultimately, the philosophy guiding law enforcement should be that "every contact leaves a trace." A positive engagement with the police is defined by the ability of the officer to take a complaint seriously, investigate it with technical rigor, and prioritize the survivor’s dignity and privacy. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with digital spaces, the right to live free from violence must extend to every corner of the internet. The time to act against digital abuse is now, ensuring that the technology of the future is not used to resurrect the prejudices of the past.
