UN Women warns of escalating digital violence against women in Arab countries

UN Women released a report titled "Digital Violence in Arab States: Overview and Good Legal Practices," based on a 2022 regional study, coinciding with the launch of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign.

The report warns that digital violence has become a blatant violation of women's rights, with serious consequences for their health and lives. It notes that rapid technological advancements in recent years have exacerbated this problem and given rise to new forms and patterns of violence.

These advancements have also enabled perpetrators to expand their attacks within digital spaces.

The report indicates that 49% of female internet users in Arab countries reported feeling unsafe due to online harassment, while 44% of women who experienced online violence reported experiencing it more than once.

The effects of this violence are not limited to the digital environment; they also leave deep psychological repercussions. 35% of women who experienced digital violence reported that the experience caused them sadness or depression, and 12% reported having suicidal thoughts.

Nearly one in five women deleted or deactivated their accounts as a direct response, while others reduced their online presence or strictly controlled their online activity, limiting their participation and voice in the digital space, and restricting their right to expression and access to information.

Data showed that men with lower levels of education were more likely to commit online violence. Women who experienced abuse reported that 60% of their perpetrators were anonymous, 24% were friends, and 21% were co-workers or classmates. Family members accounted for 14% of abusers, while former partners made up 13%.

J.J