We support the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence on Women and Children Campaign, an international campaign that takes place annually from 25 November to 10 December.
The theme for this year’s campaign highlights “whole-of-society accountability” (meaning the collaborative responsibility of various sectors) to combat violence. This year’s theme, announced by the United Nations, is “Unite to end digital violence against all women and girls.”
What does “digital violence” mean?
Digital violence includes, among others: online harassment, cyberbullying, revenge pornography, doxxing (the publication of personal information), anonymity-based aggression (the use of anonymous social media accounts to target someone), impersonation, threats via email or social media, and hate speech.
Gender-based Violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) includes any act of violence that harms someone because of their sex or gender identity, and is unequal, systemic, and driven by power or control. Inequalities driven by social norms or institutions, patriarchal norms and power structures, discrimination in schools, workplaces, or access to services that make women and children vulnerable, are also encompassed.
GBV can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or technology-facilitated. Victims often experience multiple consequences, such as trauma, health problems, economic dependency, and social stigma.
In South Africa, both the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, as amended by the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2021 (DVA), and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 (SOA) place an obligation on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to assist victims of GBV, including with obtaining a protection order against perpetrators. Our offices are committed to working closely with SAPS in combating GBV.
Therefore, we believe there is no excuse for digital and/or online violence. Online spaces should empower women and girls, but have instead become minefields of harassment, abuse, and control. What begins as a message, a comment or a post on a screen can quickly escalate into a stream of threats and real-life violence. Private photos are stolen without consent. Lies spread within seconds. Locations are tracked. Artificial intelligence is weaponised to create deepfakes designed to shame and silence women.
Join us during these 16 Days of Activism as we stand together for a world where technology is a force for equality—not for harm.
According to the United Nations, statistics show that 1 in every 3 women experiences gender-based violence in her lifetime; 58% of women and girls experience digital violence; and 90% of deepfakes are sexual images of women.
Behind every statistic are real women and children.
Journalists who stop writing after death threats; activists who delete their accounts to protect their families; girls who lose confidence before they have found their voices; women who are stalked, raped, or even murdered. The harm may occur online, but its impact is painfully real and spills into homes, workplaces, and communities. Misogynistic content fuels mistreatment and spreads disinformation and hate. When these toxic ideas go viral, they shape how entire generations see and treat women and girls.
You can get involved in the fight against GBV simply by breaking the silence—speak out against violence, against harmful online norms, and support victims. By simply giving a victim the benefit of the doubt when GBV is reported to you, you can make a positive difference in that victim’s life.
Contact Us
It takes immense courage to face each day when living in an abusive situation, and you have already shown incredible strength just by enduring this hardship. But know that there is a way out and there is a path towards healing and freedom. Reach out for help when you are ready, whether it’s to friends, family, or support organizations that can offer guidance and resources.
If you or someone you know needs any assistance or guidance with any Domestic Violence related matter, please contact us.
