by Charani LCM Patabendige
Published on The Morning on 30th December 2024.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant and widespread issue that extends beyond physical spaces to digital platforms. The World Health Organisation distinguishes between sex and gender, explaining that sex refers to biological differences, while gender refers to socially-constructed roles, norms, and relationships. GBV, rooted in gender inequality, affects both men and women, though women and girls are the most frequent victims (EIGE). Historically, GBV occurs in public spaces, homes, and workplaces, often through insults, gestures, or physical abuse. Today, however, it has expanded into digital spaces, manifesting in forms like cyber harassment, revenge porn, misinformation, defamation, hate speech, impersonation, cyberstalking, and video-based abuse.
Why do perpetrators resort to digital platforms?
Perpetrators are drawn to digital platforms for several reasons, including the anonymity that social media provides. By using fictitious names or avatars, abusers can target victims without fear of being identified or facing legal consequences. The wide reach of social media also makes it an attractive tool for abusers, enabling them to harm many individuals with minimal effort. Additionally, the psychological aspect of digital abuse allows perpetrators to dominate and control victims remotely.
Root causes of GBV in digital spaces
The root causes of GBV, both online and offline, are deeply embedded in cultural norms and patriarchy. Many societies expect women to be submissive to male authority figures, and any deviation from this norm can result in violence. In many cultures, women are taught to obey male family members, and when they fail to do so, they may face violence as punishment. Similarly, men are often conditioned to exercise power and control in relationships, which can extend to digital abuse, such as monitoring their partner’s social media and mobile phones.
Objectification of women, inadequate regulation of social media, and power imbalances in workplaces also contribute to the rise of digital GBV. Superiors may exploit their control over junior staff, and the lack of oversight on social media platforms encourages inappropriate behavior, including harassment and sexual advances. Another significant cause is the widespread lack of legal, political, information, and digital literacy. Victims may not know their rights or how to protect themselves online, while perpetrators may be unaware of the harm their actions cause. Cultural factors, such as shame, stigma, and fear of ostracisation, make it difficult for victims to report digital harassment. In conservative societies, preserving family honour is often prioritised over addressing violence, and victims may hesitate to report it for fear of shame. Furthermore, the lack of trust in authorities, due to past mishandling of cases or the fear of further victimisation, also prevents many from seeking help.
Challenges in combating digital GBV
The evolving nature of technology exacerbates the problem of digital GBV. New tools like deep fakes, spyware, and AI-driven apps are increasingly being used for harassment and exploitation. Encrypted messaging apps also complicate tracking abuse, making it difficult for law enforcement to intervene. Moreover, the normalisation of harmful behaviours, such as trolling and online harassment, has created a toxic culture where abuse is seen as part of internet behavior rather than a serious issue.
Psychological factors of perpetrators
Perpetrators of digital GBV are often driven by psychological factors such as thrill-seeking, revenge, or retaliation. Anonymity emboldens abusers, allowing them to carry out their actions without fear of being caught. Some abusers target past partners, colleagues, or friends, using digital platforms as a way to get back at them.
Consequences of digital GBV
The impact of GBV, both physical and digital, can be devastating. The World Health Organisation and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognise GBV as a major public-health issue, with consequences ranging from anxiety, depression, and insomnia to substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (Mercer, 2023). These effects can be long-lasting and deeply distressing for victims.
Digital GBV is a growing and urgent issue that demands immediate attention. The anonymity and widespread use of digital platforms provide perpetrators with the means to target victims, especially women and girls, in new and harmful ways. Cultural norms, patriarchal systems, and the lack of digital literacy contribute significantly to the prevalence of digital GBV. Additionally, evolving technology, such as deepfakes and AI-driven tools, complicates the efforts to combat abuse. To address this problem, it is essential to strengthen legal frameworks, promote digital literacy, regulate social media platforms, and create robust support systems for victims. Finally, challenging harmful cultural beliefs that normalise violence is key to reducing digital GBV and creating safer online spaces for all individuals.
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* Ms. Charani Patabendige is an Acting Research Analyst and a Research Assistant at the Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), the premier think tank on National Security established and functioning under the Ministry of Defence) The opinions expressed are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Institute or the Ministry of Defence.