Challenges Preventing
Survivors from Sharing
Experiences
Social Constraints and Stigma
Survivors face societal judgments that label them as
responsible for the violence they encounter,
particularly when discussing sensitive topics like
digital violence. For example, societal norms
consider it inappropriate for women to speak out
about their experiences due to fears of "shame" or
"dishonor". These factors prevent women from
accessing support services or legal mechanisms.
Lack of Awareness
Many survivors do not recognize digital abuse as a
form of violence. They may dismiss threats, harass‐
ment, or exploitation as minor inconveniences
rather than serious issues.
Accessibility Issues
Survivors reported difficulty navigating formal
complaint mechanisms, as bureaucratic inefficien‐
cies and the fear of being re-victimized discourage
women from pursuing justice.
Fear of Economic Repercussions
Survivors, especially employees, fear losing their
jobs or reputations if they report incidents. This is
particularly pronounced for women in public-facing
roles or those with significant professional respons‐
ibilities.
Interesting Findings
One of the most surprising findings from the
research was the extent to which societal and
familial pressures influenced survivors' willingness
to report gender-based violence (GBV). While it was
expected that stigma and fear of retaliation would
play a role, the intensity of the backlash —both
from close family members and the broader
community— was more severe than initially
anticipated. Another interesting finding was the
discrepancy between formal support mechanisms
and survivors' lived experiences. While institutional
frameworks exist to provide assistance, many
survivors found them inaccessible due to
bureaucratic obstacles, lack of awareness, or mistrust
in the system. Additionally, the psychological toll of
navigating these barriers was significant, with
survivors often expressing exhaustion and
disillusionment, reinforcing the cycle of silence and
under-reporting.
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