Violence against women has always been a prevalent issue, and the rise of artificial intelligence as well as the increasing use of technology has seen violence take on a new form.
Plight of women
Even before the era of technology, women were targets of violence and abuse, be it from a family member or a complete stranger.
Now, as per the United Nations (UN), almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both as least once in their life.
A more devastating fact is that one woman or girl was killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or a family member in 2024 – that is 83,000 women and girls killed intentionally.
According to John Brandolino, acting executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), “the home remains a dangerous and sometimes lethal place for too many women and girls around the world.”
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Digital abuse growing
The challenge of eradicating violence against women has become tougher, with women even experiencing abuse in cyberspace.
The UN says violence against women on online platforms is a serious and rapidly growing threat that affects all women.
According to experts, anywhere between 16% and 58% of women worldwide report online violence or harassment.
And with artificial intelligence becoming more prevalent, things are getting worse as an estimated 90-95% of online deepfakes depict women in sexualised ways.
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Call to action
Just like other forms of violence, digital violence is real and should not be taken lightly.
In celebration of the International Day of Violence Against Women, the UN launched the 16-day UNiTE campaign, asking all members of society and governments to work together to end impunity and protect women from abuses in the digital realm.
The campaign is also urging tech companies to ensure the safety of platforms and remove harmful content, while donors must provide funding so that feminist organisations can work to eradicate the violence.
People, meanwhile, are urged to raise their voices to help survivors.
Digital violence can happen to anyone, remember, and it doesn’t just stay online.
People who have experienced digital violence have also suffered from real-life consequences.
It can fracture their mental wellbeing, destroy relationships, and throw their careers off course.
The worst thing that could happen is that these acts of violence in the digital space could turn into stalking, physical violence, and even death.
The UN said recognising this must be the first step to eradicate these acts.
Laws must also be passed to protect women against any form of digital abuse.
Nations and governments must hold all perpetrators accountable, and women and girls should have proper and stronger digital literacy and resilience to recognise and report abuse.
There is still a great deal of work to be done, but ending digital violence is achievable.
With continued effort, the online world can once again become a safe space for all women.
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KC Maderia 
Kamille Q. Cabreza 
John Christopher Aquino