The issue of cyber crime against women in Digital Age worldwide is increasingly alarming, with a range of threats such as cyberharassment, cyber-stalking, revenge porn, online harassment, blackmail, exploitation, and threats of rape disproportionately targeting women and girls. Research indicates that one in three women globally experiences violence in their lifetime, and about one in ten have encountered cyber violence since age 15. The digital expansion has led to heightened misuse of digital platforms to harass, threaten, and exploit women, causing severe psychological and economic impacts.
The Scope and Impact of Cyber Violence Against Women
Research indicates that women and girls are disproportionately targeted by cyber violence on digital platforms. A report by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) highlights that one in ten women has experienced some form of Cyber Violence Against Women since age 15, and the forms include cyberharassment, cyber stalking, revenge pornography, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Women and girls often face harassment through emails, social media, and messaging apps, which can escalate into blackmail or exploitation
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three women worldwide will experience some form of Cyber Violence in their lifetime, with many suffering from online harassment, cyberbullying, and gender-based hate speech. Studies further reveal that the rise of social media and mobile connectivity has facilitated digital abuse, including the misuse of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or exploit women. This digital gender violence not only erodes women’s confidence and safety but also deters their active participation in digital spaces, political activism, and social engagement.
Types of Cyber Crime Against Women
Cyber crime against women manifests in various Types , including:
- Cyberharassment: Continuous online abuse, threats, or derogatory comments targeting women that cause mental trauma.
- Revenge porn: Non-consensual sharing of intimate images to humiliate, threaten, or extort women.
- Cyber stalking: Repeatedly tracking or following women online, causing fear and anxiety.
- Threats of rape or violence: Online threats designed to intimidate or silence women, especially those involved in activism or politics.
- Blackmail and exploitation: Using manipulated or manipulated images to blackmail women for sexual favors or other demands.
- Misuse of digital platforms: Creating deepfake videos, spreading false information, or using automated bots to harass women on social media.
These forms of cyber violence are often driven by misogyny and gender bias, and women from vulnerable groups, such as women with disabilities or minors, face even higher risks of targeted harassment.
Legal Measures and Challenges
Despite the increasing prevalence of cyber crime against women, legal protections are still developing worldwide. According to a 2024 report, only about 30 percent of economies globally provide specific legal protections against cyber harassment, and even fewer offer comprehensive measures against cyber-sexual harassment. Many countries lack explicit laws addressing cyberharassment, cyber stalking, or revenge porn, making it difficult for victims to report crimes and seek justice.
In many cases, victims hesitate to report crimes due to fear of retribution, social stigma, or lack of awareness about legal recourse. Prominent initiatives like India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal help women report incidents confidentially and track progress, but coverage and awareness remain limited in some regions. Laws like the EU’s VAW/DV directive emphasize the importance of developing standardized data collection, victim support services, and swift legal action.
How to Report and Deal With Cyber Harassment
Women facing cyber harassment should promptly report incidents to appropriate authorities. Reporting portals such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal in India or the Cyber Crime Portal of the government are accessible platforms where women can file complaints safely and confidentially. These portals provide guidelines on how to document evidence of harassment, seize digital evidence, and seek legal intervention.
Moreover, victims should:
- Preserve evidence: Save screenshots, messages, and links.
- Block and report offenders: Use platform-specific reporting tools to restrict perpetrators.
- Seek legal aid: Engage with law enforcement or legal professionals for protection orders or criminal action.
- Enhance digital literacy: Educate women about safe online practices, privacy settings, and recognizing cyber threats.
Preventive Measures and Role of Technology
Preventing cyber violence requires a coordinated effort across legal, educational, and technological domains:
- Governments must strengthen laws and continuously update regulations to address emerging cyber threats.
- Educational institutions and NGOs should promote digital literacy programs focused on safe online behavior, especially for women and girls.
- Online service providers must enforce strict content moderation, promptly remove harmful content, and empower users through effective reporting mechanisms.
- Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) can assist in detecting and filtering offensive content, but they require ongoing monitoring to prevent misuse, such as deepfake creation or automated harassment.
International and Future Perspectives
Global efforts such as the EU’s Digital Services Act and the recent VAW/DV directive aim to make digital platforms safer. However, implementation is uneven across regions. As per recent data, only about 12 percent of economies have specific protections against cyber-sexual harassment, and legal reforms are necessary worldwide to protect women adequately.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with internet search data revealing notable increases in domestic violence and cyber harassment during lockdowns. Such evidence highlights the urgent need for comprehensive approaches combining legal protections, technological solutions, and awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
Cyber crime against women remains a pervasive and complex issue demanding urgent and sustained action. Strengthening cyber laws, improving digital literacy, providing accessible reporting mechanisms, and regulating online platforms are fundamental steps towards safeguarding women in the digital age. Proactive monitoring of emerging threats such as deepfake videos, automated harassment, and misuse of social media will be critical for future prevention. Ensuring that women and girls can participate freely and safely in digital spaces is essential for gender equality and societal progress.
Creating an environment where victims feel empowered to report cyber harassment is vital — with strict enforcement and international cooperation, the global community can significantly reduce the incidence of cyber violence against women.
FAQs related to cyber crime against women:
1. How do I complain about a woman’s harassment?
To complain about women’s harassment, you can file a complaint online through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in). Register yourself with your mobile number, fill out the complaint form with details such as incident date, platform (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook), and upload evidence like screenshots. You can also file a written complaint at the nearest cyber crime cell or local police station. The complaint should include details about the offender, contact info, and relevant evidence. After filing, you will receive a complaint ID to track the case status.
2. How to deal with cyber harassment?
Dealing with cyber harassment involves several steps:
- Preserve evidence such as messages, calls, or posts.
- Block and report the harasser on the relevant platform.
- Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to file a complaint.
- Inform trusted friends or family for support.
- Consider legal advice if harassment escalates.
- Improve your digital hygiene by updating privacy settings and practicing safe online behavior.
Prompt action and reporting help in timely intervention and preventing further abuse.
3. How to file a harassment complaint against someone online?
To file an online harassment complaint, visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, register with your mobile number, and select the appropriate category related to women’s harassment or cybercrime. Fill out the complaint form with details including the nature of harassment, date/time, platform used by the harasser, and upload relevant evidence. Submit your complaint to receive a tracking ID. Offline complaints can be filed at cyber crime cells or local police stations with written details about the incident and victim.
4. What are cyber crimes against women?
Cyber crimes against women include offenses such as cyberharassment, stalking, revenge porn, threats of rape, blackmail, and misuse of digital platforms to exploit or threaten women. It involves non-consensual sharing of intimate images, cyberbullying, and online gender-based hate. These crimes cause emotional trauma, psychological distress, and violations of privacy.
5. How to report cyber crime against women and children?
Cyber crimes against women and children can be reported online through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or at the nearest cyber crime cell. The portal allows anonymous reporting for sensitive crimes like child pornography. Reporting requires providing incident details, suspect information, and uploading evidence. Prompt reporting helps authorities take swift action to curb abuse.
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