Digital violence is real violence – and it reinforces existing patterns
What happens online has real consequences. Digital violence reinforces existing patterns of violence and reaches those affected around the clock: at home, at work, and in their social circles.
Definition
Digital Violence
Digital violence refers to all forms of violence, harassment, control, and intimidation carried out using digital technologies. These include smartphones and computers, social media, messaging apps, email, and online platforms, as well as cloud services, connected devices such as smartwatches or trackers, and artificial intelligence applications. The term covers abuse by strangers as well as violence within current or former relationships.
Why is digital violence so distressing?
Digital violence is real violence
Digital violence is real violence. It can leave people feeling powerless and afraid. But there are ways to protect yourself, and there are organizations that can help.
Digital violence reinforces existing patterns
Digital technologies are misused to intensify patterns of violence that already exist offline: in relationships, in the workplace, or against groups that already face discrimination.
No place to retreat
Digital violence knows no physical boundaries. It reaches people wherever they are connected.
Lack of empathy
Many of those affected find that the people around them do not take digital violence seriously. This adds to the burden: on top of the fear comes the feeling of being alone with what they have experienced.
Explore the topics
Digital violence in public spaces
Hate speech, doxing, image-based sexual abuse: forms of digital violence in which perpetrators and those affected usually do not know each other.
Digital violence in (former) relationships
When abuse comes from someone close: covert surveillance, harassment, threats, image-based sexual abuse and financial control
Digital Violence in Young People’s Lives
Hate speech and toxic language, cyberbullying, image-based sexual abuse, online grooming, radicalization and extremism: essential knowledge for professionals who work with young people.
Digital hygiene & documenting evidence
Digital hygiene: how can I best protect myself?
Self-protection tips that reduce the risk of digital violence, plus guidance on documenting evidence.