Seven out of ten women activists vulnerable to digital violence: UN
Online violence against women in public life surged, with seven in ten women human rights defenders reporting digital abuse
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – Online violence against women in public life has surged, with seven in ten women human rights defenders, activists and journalists reporting digital abuse, according to a new UN Women report produced with the European Commission and research partners.
The report found that 41% of surveyed women experienced offline harm linked to online attacks.
“These figures confirm that digital violence is not virtual — it’s real violence with real-world consequences,” said Sarah Hendricks, UN Women’s director of policy, program and intergovernmental division.
She said women speaking up for rights “are being targeted with abuse designed to shame, silence and push them out of public debate,” often escalating to threats at their homes.
For journalists, the trend is especially alarming: 42% linked offline attacks to online abuse in 2025, more than double the share in UNESCO’s 2020 global survey.
Lead researcher Julie Posetti warned that “in the age of AI-fueled abuse and rising authoritarianism, online violence against women in the public sphere is increasing,” calling it “dangerous and potentially deadly.”
Nearly one in four respondents reported AI-assisted violence such as deepfakes, with the highest exposure among writers and public communicators.
UN Women said the findings underscore the urgent need for stronger legal protections, platform accountability and support systems.
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