Barriers to Accessing Legal Support
Key Insights
Patterns Identified
Participants frequently criticized legal systems
and digital platforms for their inadequate
responses to TFGBV. While some survivors
sought help through the Cybercrimes Law, they
faced lengthy processes and complicated
procedures when dealing with legal or official
authorities. Additionally, a lack of awareness
regarding rights, laws and reporting mechanisms
further discouraged survivors from seeking
justice. In many cases, reports to Cybercrime
units were dismissed or met with inaction,
exacerbating survivors' frustration.
• Challenges in Legal and Organizational
Responses: While legal frameworks provide
a pathway for addressing TFGBV, gaps in
enforcement and procedural complexities
often hinder effective outcomes. Survivors
reported that bureaucratic hurdles, prolonged
response times, and inconsistent handling of
cases contributed to a sense of helplessness.
• Survivor Fatigue: Many survivors described
feeling discouraged from seeking further
assistance due to poor initial responses.
• Stigma and Cultural Norms: A survivor
mentions that societal fears and pressures —
often stemming from cultural norms about
gender and behavior— impede many women
from seeking help. This is evident in the case
of the friend who refrained from reporting
the crime because of her husband’s objection
to her going to the Cybercrimes department
as a woman.
• Fear of Social Repercussions: Many sur‐
vivors feel that they will face social stigma,
judgment, or isolation if they speak out about
their experiences. This fear of being socially
ostracized influences their decision to stay
silent, and in some cases, they prefer to
minimize the problem or "walk away from it"
rather than seek help.
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