UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls by Noora Hossain, Switchboard Member
The online world should be a place where everyone feels safe to learn, connect and express themselves. But for many women and girls, the internet can be a source of harm, fear and silence.
This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism is UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls. It’s a reminder that abuse does not only happen in physical spaces. It happens online too, and its impact is just as real.
What does digital violence look like?
Digital abuse can take many forms, including:
Threatening or abusive messages
Online stalking
Bullying and harassment
Sharing private images without consent
Deepfakes and manipulated content
Monitoring, controlling or tracking someone through their phone or apps
These behaviours are often dismissed as “nothing serious” or “banter”. But they have real consequences. Many victims experience anxiety, fear, isolation and long-term harm to their wellbeing, career or education. Some withdraw from online spaces completely, losing their voice in public conversations.
Why this campaign matters and how it connects to our work
Our work on online harms is directly in step with this global campaign. London’s Violence Against Women and Girls strategy recognises that safety must include digital spaces, not just homes, schools or streets. As technology develops, abuse is developing with it. If we do nothing, the problem grows.
Stopping digital violence means giving women and girls what everyone deserves. Respect, equality and the freedom to feel safe in every space, especially online.
What needs to change?
A safer online world requires 3 things:
- Awareness
- Accountability
- Culture change.
It means recognising digital abuse as serious, harmful and unacceptable.
It also means moving away from blaming victims and instead focusing on prevention, education and stronger responses.
How can we play our part?
A safer online world is built step by step; through the actions we take daily. Together, we can:
· Speak up when we see harassment or harmful behaviour
· Avoid sharing or reposting harmful content
· Report abuse when we witness it
· Support someone who may not know where to turn
· Challenge comments or attitudes that minimise harm
· Promote consent, privacy and respect in all digital spaces
Small actions help create safer spaces. We just need people willing to ACT.
What you’ll see during this campaign
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing stories, tools and prompts to help us learn and act. There will be polls, blogs, discussions, tips on recognising digital harm and guidance on how to respond safely.
This campaign goes beyond awareness. It connects directly to our work and our purpose.
We all have a shared responsibility.
Women and girls deserve to feel safe online just as they deserve safety in every part of life. Digital spaces should amplify voices, not silence them.
Together, we can create a culture where harm is challenged, support is visible, and safety is a shared expectation.
Let’s raise awareness. Let’s start conversations. Let’s UNiTE.