IGF 2022 WS #71 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly; online gender violence

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The Good, the bad and the ugly; challenging online violence against women and girls Online gender violence is certainly ugly and bad that this is not challenged. However it is good that the world seems to be finally waking up to the extent to which violence and abuse is perpetrated against women and girls online. The Gender Equality Advisory Council met at the recent G7, and heard from that saw the UK Home Secretary who shared the Home Office’s Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, which will work together with a complementary Domestic Abuse Strategy to improve support for victims, achieve better outcomes through the criminal justice system and improve approaches to dealing with perpetrators. The White House recently published its National strategy on gender equity and equality that “will convene a U.S. Government task force and seek input from leading experts to produce recommendations for preventing and improving the response to technology-facilitated gender-based violence. These efforts will include a focus on addressing cyber stalking, the non-consensual distribution of intimate images” In March, and marking International Womens Day, the European Commission proposed a Directive that will criminalise rape based on lack of consent, female genital mutilation and cyber violence, which includes: non-consensual sharing of intimate images; cyber stalking; cyber harassment; and cyber incitement to violence or hatred. Further example of this is the very participation in this workshop by the European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola. Whilst encouraging that Governments and policymakers are beginning to realise the victimisation and harm occurring online perpetrated against women and girls, there is significant progress to make. The panel and breakout groups will debate and discuss a range of current and influencing factors from across the world, coupled with a variety of strategies and innovations Victim Blaming. When the photos are leaked without consent, comments such as she should have refrained from sending it or she shouldn’t get naked in front of the camera persist, putting the blame on the girl, without addressing the issue that the person who received it had no right to share it with others. Victims often blame themselves too and girls are more likely than boys to face a negative backlash from both male and female peers if their image is shared. The discussion group will highlight examples of leading research, campaigns and policy that challenges victim blaming Stereotypes: Research has found that gender-based violence is closely linked to power imbalances between women and men and harmful expressions of masculinities (UN Women, 2016). In this regard it is important to look at the roots of gender stereotyping and to understand and raise awareness about the factors influencing such stereotypes which range from cultural traditions, family or domestic practices to broader societal and environmental factors such as the sexual objectification of women and girls in media or advertising. The group will discuss how these aspects contribute to harmful gender stereotypes and to normalising gender-based and sexual violence. National Model Responses: As highlighted above, there are many countries across the world now starting to realise the prevalence of violence against women and girls online. This thread will discuss, highlight and compile examples of existing policy and best practice from those participants. Prevention: When someone else shares their intimate images without consent or is threatening to do so, unless they meet specific demands, it can be catastrophic. The UK Revenge Porn Helpline reports “Sextortion” has become the most reported issue in 2021 with cases doubling in comparison to the previous year. Sextortion occurs when a sexual relationship develops online, sexual images are exchanged, and/or sexual encounters occur within a video call. The victim of this issue is extorted for money and blackmailed by their intimate content, as during the interaction the scammers have taken details of followers, friends and family lists and overall done a complete search on their target. The discussion will focus on innovative approaches and opportunities to prevent violence perpetrated against women and girls online, identifying how control can be returned to victims to redress the gender imbalance online