Digital violence haunts women…unknown faces and real threats

UN Women issued a report entitled “Digital violence in Arab countries: an overview and good legal practices” Based on a regional study conducted in 2022, in conjunction with the launch of a campaign 16 days of activism against violence against women and girls.

The report confirms that digital violence has become a clear violation of human rights, as it has serious effects on the lives and health of women. It also explains that the rapid technological development in recent years has contributed to the exacerbation of the phenomenon and the innovation of new types of violence, which has allowed aggressors to expand the scope of their attacks in digital spaces.

The report indicated that 49% of female Internet users in the Arab region feel insecure due to electronic harassmentWhile I mentioned 44% of women who experienced digital violence The experience was repeated with them more than once.

The impact of this violence is not limited to the digital world, but extends beyond Deep psychological consequences; As she indicated 35% of women who were exposed to cyber violence Until the experience caused them sadness or depression, and12% of them had suicidal thoughts. Also, she rose towards One in five women By deleting or disabling her account as a direct response, while others resorted to reducing their presence on the Internet or imposing significant restrictions on what they publish, which limits their participation and voice in the digital world, and affects their right to expression and access to information.

The data also showed that Men with low educational level They are most likely to commit cyber violence. According to the testimonies of abused women, 60% of the perpetrators were unidentifiedand24% are friends of the victimwhile formed Work or school colleagues 21%. As for the family members, they were represented 14% Of the aggressors, while the percentage reached Former partners 13%.