It is a fact that the Internet provides us with access to an endless source of information, but it also exposes users to risks which impact human rights. Our latest project on tackling cyberviolence against women and girls not only raises awareness about this phenomenon, but also empowers school and university students on their rights, in addition to providing support to victims and potential victims of cyberviolence.
What’s cyberviolence?
The term “cyberviolence” (or “cyberbullying”) describes the act of someone who harasses, threatens, torments, and/or humiliates someone else, through the use of technology. Cyberbullying can occur through text messages (SMS), emails, through social media, websites etc. and it usually aims to scare the receiver(s), cause anger or shame them.
Who is affected by cyberviolence?
Cyberviolence can affect both women and men. However, women and girls experience it differently and sometimes, more traumatically. According to a study conducted by the European Parliament in March 2021, an estimated 4-7% of women in EU countries have experienced cyberharassment during the past 12 months, while between 1-3% have experienced cyberstalking.
Based on the above, the need to tackle, address and prevent gender-based cyberviolence is imperative through targeted programmes which will not only raise awareness among women and girls, but also train and support them.
What’s the aim of TRACeD?
TRACeD aims to combat gender-based cyberviolence against girls between 7-18 years old and women between 18-25 years old in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Slovenia. By adopting an intersectional approach, TRACeD:
- trains women, girls, teachers, parents and professionals on the safe use of internet,
- develops an interactive platform to provide direct support to victims of cyberviolence,
- creates a support network for victims of cyberviolence within schools to record incidents of gender-based cyberviolence and
- raises awareness on cyber violence to the wider audience through social media campaigns.
TRACeD is a two-year project launched in March 2022, ending in February 2024. It is an EU-funded program, implemented by the Center for European Constitutional Law-Themistocles and Dimitris Tsatsos Foundation, along with the following partners: ActionAid Hellas, CODECA – Center for Social Cohesion, Development & Care, CSIi – Cyber Security International Institute, Fondazione Carolina and the University of Ljubljana.