Virtual Reality and Real Threats: Gender Violence in a Digital Age

What is it about?

The many forms of violence against women and girls can be understood as gender violence as the victim is targeted based on a ‘gendered’ idea of lowliness. This can include threats and arbitrary deprivations of women's freedom in both public and private spheres, as well as violence that causes or is likely to cause physical, sexual, or psychological injury or suffering. One definition of violence is when an adult in a relationship abuses their position of authority to exert control over another. It involves using violence and other abusive tactics to instill fear and control in a relationship. While violence can happen to both men and women, women are typically the victims. In addition to being abused or neglected, children who live in households where there is domestic violence are at a grave danger. Violence against children, family members, and acquaintances can occur, even if the woman is typically the main victim

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Why is it important?

Combating online crimes against women requires a thorough examination of the problems caused by ingrained injustices such as misogyny, harmful societal standards, and mentalities that contribute to the consolidation of violence. Perhaps taking a proactive, multifaceted approach will help combat thesecrimes head-on. States should be able to guarantee that victims of violence online can report crimes without worrying about becoming victims again. Rather than merely deleting or removing objectionable remarks, social media companies should create strong gender-sensitive policies and redressal mechanisms that allow women to use online areas without fear. Globally, the decentralized cyber world is expanding unchecked, posing governance and regulatory difficulties that need for new legal protections that advance women's rights. Perhaps one of the most important gaps that needs to be filled is training law enforcement personnel to investigate and punish internet criminals. In order to ensure digital security, it is necessary to increase public awareness and provide educational institutions with knowledge systems that can spread knowledge about the dangers of the internet.