For these reasons, it is perhaps necessary to understand power relations and analyze their
dynamics from a gender perspective for a more effective in-depth understanding of digital
violence, that is, by transforming every action and every campaign into part of a study of gendered
power construction in the digital space. Herein lies the importance of the definition provided by the
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its 2021 “Reporting Tip sheet on Digital Violence:
A practical reference guide for journalists and media”, which defines technology facilitated gender-based
violence as: “An act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals that is rooted in gender inequality and
gendered norms and that is committed, assisted, aggravated and amplified in part or fully by the use of information
and communication technologies or digital media, against a person on the basis of their gender”.
Digital violence includes cyberbullying, harassment, spreading misinformation, disinformation and mal-information.
These behaviors require a comprehensive response including media and information literacy (MIL) education, content
moderation, and reporting procedures. Schools and educational institutions must promote a culture of knowledge and
respect, policymakers have a role to play in enacting legislation to address these issues and ensure perpetrators are held
accountable, and tech companies have a responsibility to provide a safe online environment and a pathway to report any
violence that may occur. These collaborative efforts from all parties are necessary for a safer and more inclusive digital world.
This can help mitigate the harms of cyberbullying and promote respect for users around the world digitally.
Who Are the Victims of Digital
Violence, and What Are Its Most
Prevalent Types?
Both women and men can be victims of digital violence. However, statistics indicate that women and girls are particularly vulnerable
to this type of violence . Not only are they more likely to be targeted by digital violence, they can suffer the effects and consequences
that can lead to physical, psychological, and economic harm.
Considering that knowledge is fundamentally important for individuals involved in social change, it is essential to learn how to analyze
power dynamics to determine where intervention can be most effective. From this standpoint, developing an effective action plan and
defining some manifestations of violent behaviors – whether directed at individuals, groups, or institutions – is a necessary research path.
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