In many cases of digital violence, there are activities such as threatening, insulting, or sending obscene messages (sexting) by misusing documents, photos, or videos exchanged during a good relationship. There is a growing issue of legal action being taken for that. This is also a matter of personal awareness.
What you should know
Women have been subjected to many forms of physical violence in their families and societies for centuries. With the increasing presence, use, and influence of the digital world, such violence has expanded there as well. Women are being subjected to violence even from people they know or trust, such as their own husbands, lovers, friends, neighbors, and relatives.
As a result, their other relationships, self-esteem, social standing, mental health, and productivity are disrupted. Since the digital world is a reality today, it cannot be ignored, but it is not safe for women either.
Therefore, all stakeholders need to think seriously about how to make the digital world safe and violence-free. Strong laws and strict implementation can be initial steps. However, to reduce misogynistic thinking and attitudes that lead to violence in society, a sensible society must be built. For that, the state must increase investment in everything from education to infrastructure.
The United Nations has stated that violence against women and children is the most common human rights violation worldwide. According to data collected by UN agencies, 38 percent of women in the world have experienced online violence, while 85 percent have witnessed digital violence against others.
Looking at annual data, digital violence against women is increasing in Nepal. In 2081/82, 8,044 and in 2080/81, 9,000 women filed complaints with the Cyber Bureau. As of mid-October of the fiscal year 2082/83, the bureau has received about 2,900 complaints related to violence against women.
Whether educated or not, living in urban or rural areas, anonymous or celebrity, employed or unemployed, MP or voter, all types of women have been victims of digital violence. Especially men with bad attitudes, who live in the guise of husbands, lovers, friends or relatives but commit violence. Even if they are not even acquaintances, many facilities of technology have been used to impose violence on women.
Abuses such as ‘cyber bullying’, hate speech, ‘trolling’, online threats, ‘revenge porn’, ‘AI-generated deepfake’ and character assassination are often committed against women. It attacks a person’s self-esteem and reputation. Violence in the digital world disrupts the daily routine that goes on in a rhythm in such a way that it causes deep psychological trauma to the victim. It forces them to suffer punishment even if they have not committed any mistake. On the other hand, family and society also blame the victim. In this way, personal self-esteem and reputation are being affected. Family and social relationships are also being affected. This situation needs to end.
To reduce digital violence, government policies should be zero-tolerance towards violence. It should be such that women feel that the digital world is safe. For that, the legal instrument should be made strong and clear. Whereas, Nepal does not have a strong and relevant law to address cybercrime.
Alternatively, the Electronic Transactions Act, which was designed to regulate online transactions, is being used to regulate cybercrime. The Cyber Law (Information Technology Bill), which came very late but is under discussion in the House of Representatives, has now reached a null state as the parliament itself has dissolved. Therefore, the first priority of the upcoming parliament should be to enact a law with strict punishments for digital violence.
The legal system should be well communicated. At the same time, the complaint body should be made victim-friendly. It should be easily accessible. The use of high technology should be made possible in the investigative body. Technology-friendly skilled human resources should be managed. Overall, the process from filing a complaint to judicial resolution should be facilitated. Cases that have reached the court should also be given priority.
In many cases of digital violence, activities such as threatening, insulting, or sending obscene messages (sexting) by misusing exchanged ‘documents’, photos, or videos during a good relationship are common. Legal action is being taken for that. This is also a matter of personal awareness. The topics of shared photos or gossip should be evaluated in the long term. One should be aware in advance that relationships may not always be good and that in such cases, abuse may occur.
Not everyone can imagine or be aware of the situation of distrust in a trusting relationship. Therefore, the government should increase digital literacy. Schools and universities should conduct studies on this. Awareness should be raised on why violence should not be committed, how to avoid being subjected to violence, and how to ‘deal’ with possible violence.
For that, information should be provided through digital platforms and other public media. Celebrities, influential figures from government and non-government organizations, and people with public image should also continue to speak out against digital violence. Every family should discuss this.
