Raising Awareness on Digital Violence: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Digital spaces were meant to connect us, inspire us, and give everyone a voice. But for many—especially women and young people—these spaces have also become places where harassment, threats, and abuse happen quietly behind screens. This is what we call digital violence, and it is just as real and harmful as violence that happens offline.'=

Digital violence includes things like cyberbullying, revenge pornography, online stalking, unsolicited explicit messages, impersonation, public shaming, and hateful or threatening comments. These actions can damage someone’s confidence, safety, mental health, and even opportunities in school or work."=

What makes digital violence dangerous is how fast it spreads, how hard it is to escape, and how invisible it can be to others. A hurtful comment today can reach thousands within minutes. A private photo shared without consent can stay online forever.

But awareness is the first step toward change.

Every one of us has a role to play:

• Pause before you post — Words can uplift or destroy.

• Speak up — If you see abuse happening, don’t ignore it. Report it. Support the victim.

• Protect yourself — Strengthen your privacy settings, use strong passwords, and be careful about what you share.

• Seek help — No one should deal with digital violence alone. Talk to someone you trust or report the behaviour on the platform.

Digital spaces should feel safe for everyone. Let’s be more intentional, kinder, and more aware. The internet may be virtual, but the impact we create is very real.