Day 1 – 16 days of activism/orange the world

Digital violence refers to any act of aggression, control, or abuse carried out through technology.
It includes behaviours that cause psychological, emotional, financial, reputational, or physical harm — and its impact reaches far beyond the screen.

In a world where so much of life happens through phones, apps, and social media, technology has become a new tool for exerting power and control. For women and girls already disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, digital violence adds another layer of fear, complexity, and vulnerability.

Why Does Digital Violence Matter?

Because it is now one of the fastest-growing forms of violence against women.
Because it often precedes or accompanies physical abuse.
Because it follows survivors everywhere — into work, friendships, relationships, and home.

And because many people experiencing it don’t even realise it has a name.

Common Forms of Digital Violence

1. Online harassment and bullying
Racist, misogynistic, or threatening messages; dog-piling; mass reporting; trolling.

2. Image-based abuse
Sharing intimate images without consent, pressuring someone for photos, or threatening to leak them.

3. Digital stalking & surveillance
Tracking someone’s movements through apps, shared accounts, Find My iPhone, or hidden devices; monitoring social media activity; using spyware.

4. Coercive control using technology
Demanding passwords, checking messages, reading private emails, accessing banking apps.

5. Deepfakes and manipulated images
AI-generated images or videos used to humiliate, threaten, or silence women.

6. Financial digital abuse
Taking control of online subscriptions, banking apps, shopping accounts; draining funds; opening accounts in someone’s name.

7. Doxxing and public shaming
Posting personal information, home address, phone number, or spreading reputational harm.

8. Tech-enabled domestic abuse
Smart cameras, doorbells, home devices, or apps misused to monitor, intimidate, or manipulate.

Who Is Most Affected?

Women and girls experience digital violence at higher rates, especially:

• young women

• activists and women with public profiles

• Black and minoritised women

• LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people

• women leaving or recovering from domestic abuse

• refugee or migrant women

• women in controlling or isolating relationships

Technology can make violence feel inescapable. Survivors describe feeling monitored, watched, ‘never alone’, or as though their phone has turned into an extension of the abuser.

Is Digital Violence ‘Real’ Violence? Absolutely.

Digital violence affects:

• sleep

• mental health

• safety

• career and online presence

• ability to leave a relationship

• connection with friends and community

It is not a separate problem.
It is part of the continuum of violence against women and girls.

Why the 16 Days of Activism?

From 25 November to 10 December, individuals, organisations and communities around the world come together to:

• raise awareness

• educate

• protect survivors

• challenge harmful norms

• create safer online spaces

• amplify women’s voices

During this year’s campaign, we’re focusing on Digital Violence — because understanding it is the first step toward preventing it.

What Can You Do?

• Learn how digital violence works

• Believe survivors

• Speak up when you see abuse online

• Use your platforms to amplify awareness

• Help women and girls stay safe digitally

• Challenge harmful norms in your circles

• Support organisations fighting for change

Technology can empower — or it can endanger.
Together, we can push for a digital world where women are safe, respected, and free.

#OrangeTheWorld
#16Days #NoExcuse #SoroptimistInternational #DigitalViolence #SIGlamorgan