#NoExcuse: A Call to End Online Violence Against Women and Girls

This year, the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence focuses on the growing issue of online violence, and runs under the theme #NoExcuse. Online violence and abuse can have a significant negative impact on girls and women's ability to express themselves freely, equally and without fear. It has a particularly detrimental effect on girls and women. It can also cause psychological, emotional, economic and sexual harm and discouraging their involvement in political, social and cultural activities in the digital environment.

While progress has been made — such as stronger laws and greater awareness — there’s still a long way to go. Persistent stigma, weak law enforcement, and limited resources continue to make tackling online violence difficult. The reality is alarming: over 60% of women and girls in the OSCE region have experienced online harassment, yet only a small number reported it.

This year’s campaign highlights the importance of empowering women and girls by raising awareness, promoting safety, and emphasizing the need to amplify women’s voices, uphold consent, provide support, and encourage reporting.

Safety

Reports indicate a growing number of women and girls face online violence worldwide, from unwanted messages to hacking and threats. This can cause emotional pain and force women and girls to censor or silence themselves. As a result, many women miss out on valuable online opportunities, from networking and learning experiences to earning money and advancing their careers.

Awareness

Bullying, stalking, doxing, spamming, sextortion and trolling are only a few forms of online violence against women and girls. These mimic in-person violence and hinder women and girls from using the internet. We should be aware of different forms of online violence against women and girls to hold perpetrators accountable and take action to stop them.

Voice

Online abuse, threats, and harassment silences voices in the public sphere. Women journalists are particularly targeted. The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media is working to help keep female journalists safe online. 

Consent

Sharing someone’s personal pictures online without their consent is a form of online violence. When it’s done to intimidate and control someone, it’s cyber harassment and a violation of their privacy. Stand up. Speak out. There’s no excuse.

Support

Many women don’t know where to turn to for help to stop online violence. The OSCE-led Survey on the Well-being and Safety of Women highlights several steps everyone can take to support women and girls facing online violence: speaking up against harmful behavior, listening to survivors and providing emotional support, challenging perpetrators by telling them their actions are unacceptable, reporting abuse on online platforms using their reporting tools, and sharing resources about support networks and helplines to raise awareness.

Report

Many women don’t report online violence because they fear social stigma or they don’t trust the legal system.

We call on OSCE participating States to improve laws and policies to address all forms of violence against women and girls. This includes awareness-raising and better reporting systems so police and judiciary can effectively prevent and combat online violence.