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 through 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 AI applications.
The term covers abuse by strangers as well as violence by people the person knows, particularly in current or former relationships.
Why is digital violence so distressing?
Digital violence is real violence
It can leave those affected feeling powerless and afraid. But there are ways to protect oneself, and there are organisations that offer advice and support.
Digital violence reinforces existing patterns
Digital technologies are misused to intensify patterns of violence that already exist offline: in relationships, in the workplace and against groups that already face discrimination.
No place to retreat
Digital violence is not limited by physical boundaries. It reaches people wherever they are connected.
Not taken seriously
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 there is the feeling of being alone with what has happened. Friends, family and colleagues can make a real difference by listening, believing those affected and helping them find support.
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 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, radicalisation and extremism: essential knowledge for professionals working with young people.
Digital hygiene & evidence
Digital hygiene: how can I best protect myself?
The following tips reduce the risk of digital violence and help with preserving evidence. Important: The responsibility always lies with the person who commits digital violence, for example by sharing content without consent or secretly monitoring devices. It never lies with those affected.