Empowering Youth and Youth Workers to Recognize and Respond to Cyber Violence by Transgressing Gender Stereotypes
The MEDUSA project aims to empower young people to recognize, prevent and respond in an informed manner to all forms and occurences of online gender-based violence, by establishing an integrated awareness–raising and educational approach from which they can benefit in the long run in their virtual participation.
At the same time, MEDUSA intends to support and guide youth workers in their work with young people, and offer them new and applicable recommendations for effective action in the area of recognizing and preventing online gender-based violence and harassment.
Online gender–based violence is a combination of online violence and gender-based violence. It refers to any harmful act that is committed against an individual or a group of individuals based on their gender, and it takes place in the online or digital space. This form of violence can target people of any gender but is often disproportionately directed towards women and members of marginalized gender identities.
Access to the internet is fast becoming a necessity for economic well-being and is increasingly viewed as a fundamental human right; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that this digital public space is a safe and empowering place for everyone, including women and girls.
All forms of gender-based violence, including such online violence often stem from societal norms that perpetuate unequal power relations, with women and marginalized gender identities disproportionately affected.
Perpetrators often hide behind online anonymity or pseudonyms, making it challenging to identify and hold them accountable. Anonymity gives the perpetrators of violence a false sense of security, courage, invincibility and power.
It can be present at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that is, as long as the victim has access to the Internet/mobile phone. Every form of violence carried out on the Internet leaves an electronic trail, and the victim can repeatedly read or see what the abuser published about them.
Gender-based violence may intersect with other factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status, leading to unique and compounded experiences of violence.
Technology has contributed to the dynamics and severity of violence, the greater involvement of children, young people and adults in violent activities, as well as increased cruelty in the virtual world, and consequently, the feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness among abused persons. Online gender-based violence can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, affecting a person’s overall quality of life.
In comparison with youth workers, 15 % of young people still think that all forms of gender-based violence are not rooted in already existing inequalities between men and women, and around
Additionally, a fair amount of young people (more than 60 %) still believe that consequences of offline violence are worst then those of online violence.
Both young people and youth workers recognize several reasons to why online violence is continously under-reported, including feelings of fear, shame and hopelessness on the side of the victim, and lack of trust in law enforcement and other authoritative institutions. Participants also had very mixed attituted towards victim blaming, where many believed that one should take responsibility for their actions, although some actions may have lead to serious abuse and violent patterns.
*Analysis was based on existing literature, as well as on focus groups and a survey, both conducted with 120 young people and 66 youth workers in Croatia, Italy and Slovenia.
While women are disproportionately affected by gender-based online violence, individuals of all genders can be targets. Boys and men, non-binary individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community also experience online violence. We can say, however, that different genders experience different forms of online gender-based violence more often, e. g. women and girls can more often receive inappropriate pictures/comments, experience body shaming and sextortion, and boys and men can more often be victims of E-dating manipulation, threats, etc.
No one deserves to be a victim of online violence. Every individual has an inherent right to safety and security, whether online or offline. Engaging in online activities, such as expressing opinions, sharing information, or participating in social media, should not expose individuals to the risk of violence or harassment. Blaming victims for their online presence perpetuates a culture of victim-blaming and fails to hold perpetrators accountable for their harmful actions. Encouraging a culture of respect and empathy online is vital for creating a digital space where individuals feel free to express themselves without fear of reprisal.
Online violence can have profound and lasting effects on the well-being of individuals, and its consequences can be as significant as those resulting from physical violence. Online violence can lead to severe psychological distress for the victim (and lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues), influence victim’s offline sense of security and relationships, and cause damage to one’s personal or professional reputation. Online violence is also not isolated from physical safety concerns. Threats made online can escalate to physical violence or stalking in the real world.
Online gender-based violence can indeed be perpetrated by strangers, but it’s not limited to unknown individuals. Perpetrators may also be people known to the victim, including acquaintances, friends, colleagues, and intimate partners. This can complicate the dynamics of the abuse, as the victim may be taken by surprise that someone they know would engage in such behaviour. With new technologies, intimate partner online violence is on the rise, which may involve partners using digital platforms to exert control, engage in online stalking, or perpetrate other forms of online abuse, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images or information.
The idea that boys and men are inherently stronger and less affected by emotional distress is a stereotype that oversimplifies the complex range of emotions experienced by individuals. Emotional resilience varies widely among individuals and is not determined solely by gender. Expecting boys and men to be impervious to emotional challenges contributes to toxic masculinity norms. Society’s pressure on males to conform to traditional notions of strength and stoicism can discourage them from expressing vulnerability, making it difficult to address and cope with the emotional impact of online violence. Individuals who do experience harm may be reluctant to seek help due to the fear of judgment or stigmatization associated with expressing vulnerability.
While it is true that anonymity can present obstacles, it’s important to recognize that there are measures and support systems in place to address and mitigate online violence. Many jurisdictions have enacted laws and regulations to address online harassment and violence. Reporting mechanisms exist on various online platforms and social media sites, allowing users to report incidents of abuse. While the process may have its challenges, authorities can take action against online perpetrators, especially in cases involving serious threats or illegal activities. Cultivating a support network of friends, family, and allies is crucial. Knowing that there are people who can provide emotional support and guidance can help navigate the challenges posed by online violence.
Even writing about your experience with online violence can help you embark on a journey from hurt to healing.
We listen to your story and appreciate your feelings. Share your story anonymously HERE.
We will organize different workshops for young people and trainings for youth workers. You can take part and help us deliver best possible content by providing feedback!
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