Digital violence is real violence – and it amplifies existing patterns
What happens online has real consequences. Digital violence amplifies existing dynamics of violence and affects those targeted around the clock: at home, at work, and in their social environment.
What is digital violence?
Definition of digital violence
Digital violence refers to all forms of violence, harassment, control, and intimidation carried out through digital channels: smartphones, computers, social media, email, messaging apps, online platforms, artificial intelligence, or connected devices. The term covers both attacks between strangers and violence within current or former relationships.
Why is digital violence so distressing?
Digital violence is real violence
Digital violence is real violence. It can leave people feeling powerless and afraid. But there are ways to protect yourself. And there are places that can help.
Digital violence amplifies existing patterns
Digital violence amplifies dynamics of violence that already exist offline – whether in relationships, in the workplace, or toward groups that are already affected by discrimination.
Digital violence takes away safe havens
Digital violence knows no physical boundaries. It is present wherever people are connected.
A lack of empathy
Many people who are targeted find that those around them don’t take digital violence seriously. This is an added burden: on top of the fear comes the feeling of being alone with what they have experienced.
About the subpages
Digital violence in public spaces
Hate speech, doxing, image-based sexual abuse: forms of digital violence in which the perpetrators and those targeted usually don’t know each other.
Digital violence in (ex-)relationships
When the violence comes from close to home: covert surveillance, floods of messages, image-based sexual abuse, financial control.
Digital violence in young people’s lives
Hate speech & toxic language, cyberbullying, image-based sexual abuse, cybergrooming, radicalization & extremism – foundational knowledge for professionals who work with young people.
Digital hygiene & preserving evidence
Digital hygiene: How do I protect myself?
Self-protection tips that reduce the risk of digital violence, plus tips for preserving evidence.