Unveiling Dark Side: Unleashing Menace Of Technology-Fueled Gender-Based Violence

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news July 5, 2024

In an era where the promotion of freedom of speech and expression should be paramount, it is disconcerting to witness the thriving existence of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

A recent report released this week from a study conducted by Rutgers and its partners not only highlights the alarming increase in violence against women and girls but also exposes the unsettling truth that online abuse often escalates into physical violence.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has identified a multitude of ways in which technology is being misused to perpetrate gender-based violence.

This includes the despicable act of sextortion, the violation of image-based abuse, the malicious practice of doxxing, the insidiousness of cyberbullying, the torment of online gender and sexual harassment, the sinister act of cyberstalking, the horrifying reality of online grooming for sexual assault, the exploitation of hacking, the dissemination of hate speech, the depths of online impersonation, and even the use of technology to locate survivors of abuse in order to inflict further harm.

These distressing behaviors often manifest in physical acts of violence such as rape, stalking, and intimate partner violence, leaving victims traumatized and trapped in a cycle of fear.

The wide-spread link between online and offline violence

The findings of the Rutgers study serve as a chilling reminder of the pervasive link between online and offline violence. Perpetrators utilize technology as a means to harass, stalk, and intimidate their victims, blurring the boundaries between the virtual and physical realms.

The ease with which these individuals can transition from online abuse to physical acts of violence is deeply troubling. It is imperative that we acknowledge this connection and address it comprehensively, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in both the digital and physical spaces they inhabit.

Technology, at its core, should be a tool that facilitates development, creativity, innovation, and freedom of expression. However, when it becomes a weapon of violence, it not only stifles these positive aspects but also instills fear and self-censorship among victims and potential targets.

The chilling impact of technology-fueled violence on free expression

The mere experience of harassment or bearing witness to the plight of victims can cause individuals to recoil from utilizing various forms of technology as a means of self-preservation.

This unfortunate consequence forces too many women and girls to withdraw from public spaces and refrain from engaging in important discourse, depriving society of their valuable contributions and perpetuating the cycle of inequality.

As writers, storytellers, and advocates for change, it is our responsibility to shed light on this dark underbelly of technology.

We must raise awareness about the prevalence and impacts of technology-fueled gender-based violence, while also championing safe digital spaces that promote inclusivity, respect, and empowerment. By doing so, we can reclaim technology’s potential for positive change and ensure that it remains a force for good, unburdened by the shadows of violence and oppression.

Together, let us stand against the menace of technology-fueled gender-based violence and pave the way for a future where all individuals can freely express themselves, both online and offline.

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