Gender-Based Violence Online: Prevalence, Reporting, and Legal Responses

Abstract

Gender-based violence online (GBV online) has emerged as a significant global human rights and public health concern, driven by the rapid expansion of digital technologies and online communication platforms. This review examines the prevalence, reporting mechanisms, legal responses, and policy interventions related to GBV online across diverse geographical and cultural contexts. It explores the various manifestations of online gender-based violence, including cyberstalking, harassment, hate speech, impersonation, non-consensual sharing of intimate content, doxxing, and threats of sexual violence, highlighting their disproportionate impact on women, girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized populations. The review demonstrates that although reporting mechanisms exist through digital platforms, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, victims continue to face substantial barriers, including fear of victim-blaming, distrust of legal institutions, concerns about privacy, inconsistent reporting procedures, and inadequate institutional support. The paper further analyzes national, regional, and international legal frameworks addressing online gender-based violence, emphasizing the growing need for harmonized legislation, effective enforcement, platform accountability, and survivor-centered approaches. Comparative case studies illustrate promising practices and continuing implementation challenges across jurisdictions. The review also highlights the importance of digital literacy, public awareness, platform governance, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and comprehensive support services in preventing online abuse and promoting safer digital environments. Finally, it identifies persistent research gaps, particularly the lack of standardized definitions, reliable prevalence data, and comparative evidence from low- and middle-income countries. Strengthening legal protections, improving reporting systems, enhancing cross-sector collaboration, and investing in evidence-based prevention strategies are essential to reducing online gender-based violence and advancing digital rights, gender equality, and human rights globally. Keywords: Online Gender-Based Violence, Cyber Violence, Digital Safety, Reporting Mechanisms and Legal Responses.