- A global survey of 641 female activists and journalists across 119 countries revealed that online violence, including cyberflashing, deepfakes, and non-consensual image sharing, is forcing women out of public life and their careers.
- The study, conducted by UN Women and City St George’s, found that 27 per cent of respondents received unwanted intimate images, while 12 per cent had personal images shared without consent, and 6 per cent were subjected to deepfakes.
- These online attacks have severe mental health consequences, with 24 per cent of women experiencing anxiety and depression, and 13 per cent being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- As a result, 19 per cent of women reported self-censoring at work and 41 per cent on social media to avoid further abuse, with one journalist resigning due to online violence and facing severe financial problems.
- Despite the widespread impact, only 25 per cent of incidents were reported to the police, and a mere 10 per cent resulted in successful charges, prompting the UK Government to introduce measures like criminalising deepfake intimate images and making cyberflashing a priority under the Online Safety Act.
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