This article deals with sexist and sexual violence.

What is sexual and gender-based cyber-violence?

It's all forms of violence that take place via digital tools (internet, social networks, but also text messages). It's, in fact, an extension of offline sexism and sexual violence and encompasses many different forms of violence. Women account for 84% of victims of cyber-violence, and LGBTQIA+ people are also highly exposed. In January 2024, the Haut Conseil à l'égalité entre les femmes et les hommes pointed to the digital as one of the most important places for the reproduction of sexist and sexual violence. We will tell you more about what this means and, above all, how to deal with it.

A few definitions

Here are a few definitions of gender-based and sexual cyber-violence to help you get your bearings, but they are also very diverse and can cover other forms of violence.

Sexist abuse

This refers to behaviour or comments designed to humiliate or intimidate someone based on their gender. Sexist contempt applies in real life as well as on the Internet. For example, sending non-consensual dick picks (sex photos) is sexist contempt if it's done just once, but it's cyberstalking if it's repeated.

Cyberstalking

This is the act of repeatedly subjecting a person to humiliation, intimidation or invasion of privacy through the use of technology. It can take place via all types of digital tools (sms, social networks, e-mail, etc.) and can take many forms (spreading rumours, photos or photomontages, non-consensual sexting, etc.). One or more people can carry it out.

Dissemination of intimate content

This is the act of broadcasting (or showing, without the idea of sending) intimate content without the person's consent. This can be photos, videos or even messages, especially if they are of a sexual nature. And yes, there's no question of showing sext exchanges to your friends! You may have already heard of Revenge Porn, an Anglo-Saxon term that doesn't exist in French law, but the idea is the same: to take revenge on an ex-partner by broadcasting intimate images without his or her consent.

Cyber-violence also occurs within couples. For example, wanting the other person to always be contactable, having access to their phone and social networks without their consent can be cyber-violence. In most cases, the law considers the fact that cyberviolence is committed by a partner or ex as an aggravating circumstance, meaning that the penalties incurred will be greater.

How can we combat sexist and sexual cyber-violence?

A simple first step, but one we like to remind you of, is simply to be respectful. Don't spread rumors, don't send photos or messages you haven't agreed to, don't take part in cyberstalking, etc. Even one comment on a social network is a sign of respect. Even one comment among many on social networks can add up to a lot of violence for the person subjected to it.

Next, we encourage you to be attentive to the consent of the people you interact with online (don't hesitate to check out our page on this subject). Just because you're using digital technology (messages, social networks, etc.) doesn't mean that consent doesn't apply.

Finally, you can also report inappropriate content on any digital tool (on the platform we present just below) to help stop violence, even if you're not the target.

Do you wish more people had told you about cyber-violence when you were younger? Help the HandsAway association carry out its awareness-raising campaigns for young people, particularly in schools.