An increasing form of violence against women is online harm.
Online harm which is when an act of violence is committed, assisted, or aggravated using information and communication technology (mobile phones, the Internet, social media, and video games) against a woman because of her gender.
Netsafe, an independent, non-profit online safety charity, has a range of information on their website on the different types of digital harm and violence that can occur, including:
- online bullying and harassment
- non-consensual sexting (sending of explicit messages or photos without the recipient’s consent)
- image based abuse
- doxxing (the public release of private or identifying information about the victim).
Following the 2020 national COVID-19 lockdown, Netsafe reported an increase in incidence of digital harm, with a particular increase in the unwanted sharing of intimate images, and messages encouraging the recipient to harm themselves.
Netsafe and Manatū Wāhine researched the impacts of digital harm in 2018. This research revealed that digital harm was a gendered experience, and girls reported personal attacks by their peers as their most harmful online experiences, while boys reported that extreme conversation and “roasting” were most harmful.
Online harm, harassment, and violence are not acceptable, and help is available:
- Call New Zealand Police on 111 if you, or someone you know, is in danger.
- Contact Netsafe through their online form, text “Netsafe” to 4282, or call 0508 638 723.
- Apply for a Harmful Digital Communications order.
- Report harmful online content.