Mapping


The findings are from 1126 cases reported on the Take Back the Tech! online map from 2012 to 2014.

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Identities of perpetrators

41%

Someone known

30%

Someone unknown

14%

A group of people

3%

Internet platform provider (e.g. Facebook)

2%

State

3 typical "identities" of women experiencing online VAW

Identity of person What is at stake What happens Consequences
Someone involved in intimate relationship Intimacy and trust Involves use of ICTs for private expression, the content of which is then exploited publicly by someone who was intimately involved with that person. Can result in extreme consequences (e.g. suicide), and widespread sense of public shame. May require severe action such as changing name and address.
Professional, often involved in public expression. (activists, journalists, writers, etc). Freedom of expression, personal and political Harassment, threats, silencing through verbal abuse. Typically appears to result in less extreme consequences for the victims given their public status, a greater sense of empowerment to remedy situation.
Survivor/victim of physical assault Physical safety Involves direct crime, such as filming a gang rape. Can result in extreme consequences, such as suicide of the person violated.

Top 5 actions taken by women in response to online VAW

Only 56% of those experiencing harm are likely to take action, suggesting the need for awareness raising and empowerment on the alternatives for effective action when online harm occurs.

5%

Leaving/changing platform

8%

Reporting abuse to provider/platform

8%

Blocking aggressor on platform or technology

10%

Dialogue or confrontation of aggressor

69%

Reported to police/state enforcement authority

Typical scenario of a case of technology-related VAW

About the analysis of incidents mapped on the “Take Back the Tech!” platform

This study provides an analysis of data concerning technology-related violence against women (VAW) collected using the Association for Progressive Communications' (APC) online mapping tool. The purpose of the mapping tool is to make invisible visible and to document cases of VAW that takes place online, or through the use of ICTs like mobile phones and the internet. The map is a collaborative effort of individuals, service organisations and advocates in different parts of the world.

The aim of the analytical study was to develop a deeper understanding of the nature and consequences of technology-related VAW. It provides primarily quantitative overview of the cases reported, with some qualitative illustration. A total of 1126 cases were reported over the period studied - from 2012 to mid-2014.