Technology and Gender-Based Violence
A survey of providers showed 97% of those they serve report some level of technology-facilitated abuse in their gender-based violence cases. The misuse of technology is a type of abuse that is often anonymous and unnoticed. This can make it difficult to identify who is responsible, especially when it takes place over social media, apps, and gaming platforms.
What is Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence?
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) is the misuse or manipulation of technology to commit any harmful threat or act directed at an individual or group based on actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, sex characteristics, or sexual orientation. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence, often referred to as technology-facilitated abuse (TFA), is on the rise for teens. A 2022 Pew Research survey showed that 95% of teenagers are using social media, and 46% of teenagers say they are on the internet almost constantly. As technology advances in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and fake images (deepfakes), the risk to teens increases. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence can include:
Technology-facilitated domestic violence (TFDV)
- A pattern of behavior and coercive tactics perpetrated against an intimate partner with the goal of establishing and maintaining power and control through the misuse or manipulation of technology.
Technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV)
- The misuse or manipulation of technology to impose sexual activity or conduct on an individual without their consent.
Examples of TFGBV:
- Deepfakes/Image-based abuse
- Sextortion
- Cyberstalking
- A type of online harassment that uses technology (social media, apps. GPS location, trackers, etc.) to stalk an individual.
- Misusing passwords
- Obtaining another individual's passwords through fraud, deception, or pressuring someone in sharing it, and using the password for unintended purposes.
- Text/Call/Message "Bombing"
- Repeatedly sending multiple texts, messages, and/or phone calls that can be controlling, harassing, threatening, or sexually harassing in nature to an individual to maintain power and control over them or to instill fear in them.
- Cyberflashing
- The act of sending unwanted naked or sexual photos or videos on the internet, through an app, or by text message, to another individual.
What are the Statistics Around Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence?
Technology Facilitated Abuse occurs in 99.3% of gender-based violence situations.
Second National Survey of Technolgy Abuse and Domestic Violence in Australia, 2020
7 in 10 young adults reported they have experienced technology facilitated abuse.
Seeking Services & Support for People Experiencing Technology Facilitated Abuse, 2024
The majority of young adults who experience technology facilitated abuse do not actively seek help .
Seeking Services & Support for People Experiencing Technology Facilitated Abuse, 2024
Globally, 85% of women have experienced or witnessed online violence.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: An Emerging Issue in Women, Peace & Security, 2024
Women of color and the LGBTQ+ community are at a greater risk of technology facilitated abuse. In the US, 81% of reported harassment was linked to some aspect of their...
Women are 27 times more likely to face harassment online than men.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: An Emerging Issue in Women, Peace & Security, 2024
Globally, 66% of women report experiencing cyber harassment.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: An Emerging Issue in Women, Peace & Security, 2024
Globally, 55% of women report experiencing doxxing.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: An Emerging Issue in Women, Peace & Security, 2024
Globally, 63% of women report experiencing hacking and stalking.
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence: An Emerging Issue in Women, Peace & Security, 2024
Learn More About Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence!
Take the Healthy Relationship Quiz
In February 2024, OPDV launched the Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Healthy Relationship Quiz! This quiz focuses on many different aspects of healthy relationships, including how to use technology properly and appropriately in relationships. Take the Healthy Relationship Quiz and test your knowledge!
Try and Spot the Deepfakes!
This interactive PowerPoint shows you multiple pictures, some real, some created using AI. Decide whether the image is real or a deepfake to find out if you are a Deepfake Detective!
Choose Your Own Adventure: Spot the Flags
Use this online interactive story to help teens recognize healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics. This online interactive story runs through several scenarios, many of which involve elements of technology-facilitated abuse, and allows participants to make choices and direct the outcome of the characters’ relationship. Try the Choose Your own Adventure and explore the variety of outcomes.
Printable: Trifold Overview of Technology-Facilitated Abuse
To help raise awareness, OPDV developed the Technology and Gender-Based Violence Brochure. This educational resource serves as an introduction to the ways technology can be used by perpetrators of gender-based violence. This trifold can be printed out by anyone looking to have a resource on hand to help spread the word and increase public knowledge of the subject.
Download the Technology and Gender-Based Violence Brochure.
Resources
Where Can I Report?
NYS Police
- For online sexual exploitation: Internet Crimes Against Children | New York State Police
- 1-800-THE-LOST
- CyberTip Report
FBI
- 1-800-CALL-FBI
- Electronic Tip Form
- Local Field Office
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
Where Can I Learn More?
- NNEDV Safety Net
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- NoFiltr by Thorn
- NetSmartz
New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline
If you or someone you know is experiencing technology-facilitated abuse. The NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is free, confidential, available 24/7, 365 days a year, and available in most languages.
Text: 844.997.212
Call: 800.942.6906
Chat: opdv.ny.gov
Technology and Gender-Based Violence Webpage
For more resources and information related to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, visit our Technology and Gender-Based Violence Webpage.