What Does TFGBV Look Like?
TFGBV has many faces:
- Online stalking and surveillance that increasingly crosses over from public to private life.
- Non-consensual posting of intimate photos (referred to colloquially as "revenge porn"), usually employed to shame, blackmail, or punish women and LGBTQIA+ people. You can visit the website to report any NCII content here. Social & Media Matters also contributes to the initiative by reporting the intimate content for the safety of digital users.
- Trolling, doxxing, and hate speech, particularly against activists, journalists, and vocal women.
- Deepfakes and AI-generated images, now weaponized to create sexual content and discredit victims.
- Technology-facilitated domestic violence, where abusers use smart home devices, GPS trackers, and even toys and kids' gadgets to watch and control.
Why It Matters?
What goes on the Internet stays on the Internet. Research and survivor testimony indicate that cyber abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, PTSD, loss of employment, forced relocation, and even suicide. The silence and stigma around Internet violence too often drive victims deeper into isolation, increasing the difficulty in reporting and the difficulty in recovery.
In addition, technology firms, in prioritising interaction over safety, have too often neglected to respond effectively. Their moderation measures are spotty, accountability processes are opaque, and the algorithms themselves have the potential to drive hate and harassment.
What Needs to Change
Based on our organizational experience, several key issues require urgent attention. Due to limited resources and engagement opportunities, these conversations are often overlooked from the perspective of the everyday digital user. To build more robust and inclusive frameworks, we must take a deeper, more intentional approach by considering the following:
- Platform Interventions: Technology firms need to invest in diverse safety features, solid reporting processes, and open content moderation.
- Stringent Digital Laws: We need to have one-stop legislation which addresses the digital issues. It should identify the digital harms and crimes that are experienced by users online. Survivors shouldn't be treated to red tape.
- Digital Literacy & Consent Education: Educating young people about boundaries, respect, and digital ethics can cause cultural change from the grassroots level.
- Support Systems: Survivors require access to mental health support, legal advice, and helplines — both online and offline.
- Speak Up, Not Alone: If you or someone you know is facing online abuse, Social & Media Matters offers safe reporting pathways, digital hygiene sessions, and guidance on documenting harassment by providing the right point of contact. Write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Learn with Us: Through workshops and awareness campaigns, we educate students, parents, and professionals on digital rights, gender-based cyber abuse, and tech safety. Book your Workshop today!
- Build Safer Spaces: We work with schools, colleges, and communities to develop gender-sensitive digital practices and prevention strategies.
- Advocate for Change: Join our campaigns pushing for platform accountability and survivor-centred online policies.
- Support Survivors: From helping survivors navigate reporting processes to providing emotional first aid, we stand beside those affected by TFGBV. You can reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..