Abuse escalates when women become visible
Violence online o몭en intensifies with visibility. When women gain followers, appear in media reports,
speak about politics or take leadership roles, they are more likely to face coordinated a몭acks.
Respondents described how criticism of women’s appearance, morality or “honor” is used to discredit
their work or silence their opinions. In some cases, online campaigns escalate around specific moments –
a TV appearance, a viral post or a public statement – sending a clear message“ ׃know your place or face
consequences.”
This dynamic not only a몭ects prominent activists or journalist, but also a몭ects younger women, activists
and women running small initiatives who use social media to reach audiences.
Blackmail, defamation and doxing work together
GBVO in Syria rarely takes a single form. Instead, women face overlapping tactics that reinforce each
other׃
Harassment and threats in comments and private messages
Defamation campaigns, spreading rumors or edited images
Doxing, publishing personal data such as addresses or phone numbers
Blackmail, o몭en involving stolen or fabricated intimate images
These tactics aim to create fear, reputational damage and loss of control. In some cases, threats extend
o몭line – to families, reputations in local communities or even physical safety. The cumulative impact can
be devastating, even when individual messages seem “mild.”
Platform dynamics amplify harm – and hide coordination
The study shows how platform design enables both coordination and amplification of a몭acks.
Closed or encrypted groups (i.e. on Telegram or private Facebook groups) are used to share screenshots,
personal information or “evidence” and to plan campaigns. Public feeds and comment sections then
become the visible front of the a몭ack, where reputations are destroyed and pressure builds.
Algorithms that reward engagement can unintentionally push abusive content
further. Meanwhile, interviewees reported that existing reporting tools are o몭en ill‑suited to Arabic dialects
and local contexts, and do not always respond quickly or fairly to Syrian users’ complaints.
Violence online o몭en intensifies with visibility
Image ׃Omar Sanadiki/AP Photo/picture alliance
Victim‑blaming pushes women into self‑censorship
Across interviews and focus groups, victim‑blaming emerged as a central driver of harm. Women who are
targeted are frequently told that they “provoked” the abuse by posting certain photos, expressing
opinions or being too visible.
Fear of stigma and of being blamed by family, employers or communities pushes many women
into self‑censorship. They restrict what they post, avoid certain topics or withdraw from social media
altogether. Some stop applying for visible jobs or media opportunities because of anticipated online