As technology evolves, so does abuse.
On Day 9 of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Contento Social Homes emphasises a critical truth: our laws must evolve to protect women and girls online just as they do offline.
Digital spaces are now part of everyday life — places where people work, socialise, learn, and communicate. Yet many legal systems still lag behind, leaving survivors vulnerable to online harassment, cyberstalking, threats, image-based abuse, impersonation, and other forms of technology-facilitated violence.
When the law does not fully recognise digital abuse, survivors are left without protection, justice, or recourse. This gap allows perpetrators to continue harming women anonymously, repeatedly, and often without consequence.
To build safer online environments, we need:
- Modernised laws that reflect digital realities
- Stronger protections against cyberstalking and online harassment
- Criminalisation of coercive control through digital means
- Clear consequences for image-based abuse and digital threats
- Cross-platform collaboration to support survivors
- Increased awareness among law enforcement and communities
Safety should not end at the screen.
When laws follow us online, survivors gain the protection they deserve — everywhere they go.
#16Days #NoExcuses #DigitalSafety #LawsMustFollowUsOnline #EndDigitalViolence #ContentoSocialHomes #GenderBasedViolence #TechFacilitatedAbuse
