The digital world promised connection and empowerment – but for millions of women, it has become a hunting ground. Digital abuse – one of the fastest-growing forms of gender-based violence, and it is spreading across borders and platforms, threatening women and girls everywhere – online and offline. Impact of digital abuse on women It can happen in rural or urban settings, and across income brackets. From anonymous threats to abuse and control by intimate partners, it can take many shapes and forms. Online abuse can shatter mental health, wreck relationships, and derail careers in seconds. It can also spill into real life, escalating into stalking or physical violence, even death. Digital violence silences women and girls who should be free to speak. Forms of digital abuse of women Digital abuse (also called technology-facilitated violence against women and girls) covers a wide spectrum of violent behaviours. It can look like: Online harassment and cyberstalking: repeated, unwanted messages, cyber-flashing, creepshots, surveillance such as tracking your location, or monitoring your activity. Image-based and deepfake abuse: sharing private images without consent, or creating AI-generated sexual content through morphing, splicing, or superimposing photographs and videos to create deepfakes. These are sometimes called revenge porn. Violent pornography: images of sexual aggression and gendered violence in pornography widely available on the internet which is normalizing and perpetuating violence against women and girls. Trolling, threats, and blackmail: abusive comments designed to silence or intimidate, gender-based hate speech, threatening to share personal information, photos or videos of someone. Digital dating abuse: using apps or social media to control, pressure, or isolate a partner. Online grooming: using digital platforms to build trust or a relationship with someone – often a minor – with the intention of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Doxxing: publishing personal information online to endanger or intimidate. Identity theft: impersonation and the creation of fake profiles. Control of access: restricting or monitoring a woman’s access to shared devices, internet, or power sources. Signs of digital abuse Women and girls need to spot the red flags in their own feed and devices. Is it really abuse if it starts small? Yes – digital abuse often begins with “little things”: a partner demanding your password or coercing you to share images that make you feel uncomfortable, constant check-ins, or a person you know sending inappropriate messages, or even anonymous comments that make you feel uncomfortable or afraid. What should set off alarm bells? Threats to share private photos if you don’t comply with demands. Controlling behaviour over conversations and contacts you may have, for example, on your phone. Harassing and abusive comments or DMs that keep coming even after you block someone. Fake or doctored images of you suddenly appearing online. Impersonation, exclusion, or smear campaigns in online groups. Why does it feel so isolating? Abuse thrives on silence and the anonymity of perpetrators. It can make you doubt yourself, but recognising the pattern early is one of the strongest ways to stop it. Abuse is never your fault. The responsibility always lies with the perpetrator, not the survivor. Facing digital abuse? What to do There are practical steps you can take immediately: Block and report. Where available, use platform tools to cut off contact and file a report. It’s no coincidence that one of the most-asked questions online is, “how to report harassment on Instagram” – millions of women are searching for the same answers. Stop the spread. Use tools available to remove private images and videos shared without consent, such as Take it down and Stop non-consensual image-abuse. Save the evidence. Screenshots, links, time stamps – keep a record. If you choose to report, this information is vital. Tell someone you trust. Don’t carry it alone. Share what’s happening with a friend, family member, or organisation you trust. Secure your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication, review privacy settings, and check your devices for spyware or tracking apps. Seek help. Many countries now have hotlines, NGOs, or police units trained to respond to digital violence. Check out the resources in the section below. What if I see abuse happening to someone else? If you see abuse happening, don’t stay silent. Research shows that when bystanders speak up or report harmful behaviour, it discourages further attacks and helps platforms detect abuse faster. Small actions – a report, a supportive comment, or sharing a resource – can make a big difference. Online spaces should be safe for every woman and girl. The same technology that can amplify women’s voices can also be weaponised against them. By staying informed, calling out abuse, and standing together, we can reclaim the digital world and make it a safe space where equality, safety, and respect can thrive. Source : UN Women