Take action! How to protect yourself from sexist cyber violence

Sexist violence encompasses many types of violence. Do you know sexist cyberviolence? When they talk to us about this concept, in addition to thinking wrongly in science fiction, we can believe that the thing only has to do with anonymous stalkers, fraud, extortion or trolls. But it can also come from your partner: constant contact, the use of tracking apps, jealousy, demanding passwords or controlling and restricting what the partner publishes on social networks fall within this dangerous behavior.

According to Amnesty International, 1 in 5 women experiences some form of digital sexist violence in their lifetime. And who are the perpetrators of these sexist violence online? Mostly men. Most offenders turn out to be acquaintances of the victims, often their partners or ex-partners or friends. In fact, it is estimated that 90% of cases of sexist violence already have a virtual part.

The impacts of these acts of violence can be very strong because the Internet is active 24 hours a day and also allows anonymity. According to a report by Donestech, 80% of women who have suffered digital sexist violence have had psychological impacts, such as fear, anxiety or depression. In turn, these types of violence also have physical, relational, economic and freedom of movement and public expression consequences. And worst of all? This new way of exercising gender violence is particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as adolescents, according to figures from the study carried out by the Government Delegation for Gender Violence.

How to protect yourself against digital sexist violence?

Unfortunately, there is still a need for women to have resources at their fingertips to protect themselves from this form of violence. You should not allow your partner to spy on who you talk to, who you follow on the networks, who your friends are or what geolocates you, in addition to following some recommendations:

• Use long, strong passwords that you don't share with anyone.

• Do not add to Whastapp or give your phone number or address to people you do not know personally.

• Set your profile as private.

• Be aware: When you send or upload a photo on the internet, you lose control over it. Do not share any photos or videos that you may later regret and if you send compromised material, avoid being recognized.

• Be careful what you install on your mobile and on your computer. You can inadvertently install spyware, geolocators, trackers, etc.

• Ask for help: If you have been insulted, threatened or have been a victim of any digital crime, you should not hesitate and ask for help.

• Get organized: If you have suffered this type of digital violence, do not hide it or feel guilty. There are various organizations, networks and projects that help victims. The last? The Stop VMO F5 movement, which aims to be an unstoppable network of voices against digital sexist violence and which is carrying out various initiatives to focus on this problem.

Modaintimashop.com Press Department