Cyberviolence is an increasing problem worldwide and is often gender-based and targeting women and girls.

Istanbul Convention (Art.3) violence against women is “…all acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in, physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.

Violence against women including in online environment can take many forms, cyberharassment, revenge porn and threats of rape, sexual assault or murder. Perpetrators can be partners or ex-partners, colleagues, schoolmates or, as is often the case, anonymous individuals. Some women are particularly exposed, such as women’s rights defenders, journalists, bloggers, video gamers, public figures and politicians.

Predominantly, root cause of violence against women and girls is gender inequality (discrimination, gender stereotypes, sexism). Moreover, women who have more than one commonly-targeted characteristic – for example, women of color, members of minority religions, or people who identify as LGBTQ – may be attacked more frequently.

Chilling effect that cyberviolence has on women: Violence and abuse online may limit women’s right to express themselves equally, freely and without fear, women are often silenced. In many instances the impact on victims that experienced online abuse or harassment is major such as lower self-esteem or loss of self-confidence as a result to stress, anxiety or panic attacks after experiencing online abuse or harassment.

Cyberviolence affects women disproportionately not only causing them psychological harm and suffering but also deterring them from digital participation in political, social and cultural life. Cyberviolence hampers the full realisation of gender equality and violates women’s rights.