Violence has changed. Has our awareness?

Professional success does not guarantee personal safety. Even the most accomplished woman remains vulnerable when subjected to cyberstalking, inappropriate messages, and online smear campaigns. Violence is no longer limited to physical spaces; it lives on the screens in our hands.

A woman may be successful, confident and responsible in her professional life. Every day, she comes to work, fulfils her responsibilities, and takes care of her family. But at the end of the day, if she receives obscene messages on her phone, finds her private photographs circulating on social media, is repeatedly followed, or discovers a fake account created in her name to spread humiliating or defamatory content, can we really say that she is safe? 

This is no longer merely a question about personal safety. It is a question of social, institutional, and digital security. The nature of violence against women has changed with time. Alongside physical and psychological abuse, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, cyberbullying, online stalking and digital defamation have become part of our reality. Violence is no longer confined to the four walls of a home or the physical workplace; it has extended into our phones and social media platforms. 

We must recognize that violence does not always mean physical assault. We live in a time when a smartphone has opened doors to knowledge, communication and opportunity. Yet, when used irresponsibly, the same device can become a tool for harassment, intimidation, and defamation. Digital citizenship, therefore, must go hand in hand with digital safety and responsibility.  

Repeatedly humiliating someone, intimidating or threatening them, attempting to control them, or making unwanted sexual comments or engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior are also forms of violence. Many women remain silent because of concerns about social reputation, family pressure, fear of losing their jobs or the ever-present question, “What will people say?” As a result, incidents of abuse often remain hidden, allowing perpetrators to become even more emboldened. 

Workplace sexual harassment deserves particular attention. Unwanted comments, obscene messages, pressure to enter a personal relationship, unwanted physical contact, or using professional authority to embarrass, intimidate or control a woman cannot be dismissed as “a joke,” “normal behavior” or a “personal matter.” Ensuring a safe and respectful workplace is an institutional responsibility. 

Women need the courage to speak out against injustice, while also remaining conscious of their own safety when using digital platforms. Careless sharing of personal information, photographs, passwords or location details can sometimes create serious risks. At the same time, we must reject the idea that online harassment will simply disappear if we ignore it. Where necessary, evidence should be preserved, abusive individuals should be blocked or reported, and appropriate authorities should be approached for assistance. 

Another disturbing aspect of cyberbullying is that its consequences do not remain online. Humiliating posts, the distribution of private photographs, fake accounts, and the spread of false information can seriously damage a person's confidence, social relationships, and professional life. Online harassment, therefore, cannot be dismissed as merely a “virtual problem.” Its consequences are very real. 

The same seriousness must be applied to stalking. If someone is repeatedly monitoring a woman online, sending persistent messages, collecting her personal information or following her in real life, such behavior should be recognized and addressed at an early stage. It is far better to identify and respond to warning signs before harassment escalates into something more dangerous. 

Women today must become more courageous and confident. At the same time, we need to cultivate greater empathy and solidarity among women themselves. I believe this culture of mutual support is necessary in our families, workplaces, and wider society. 

When a woman faces harassment, the first question should not be, “Why was she there?” or “Why did she post that photograph?” Instead, we should ask: “Why was she subjected to harassment, and how can we ensure her safety and provide the support she needs?” 

These digital risks are not confined to adult women alone; they directly impact the most vulnerable members of the family specially our children. Therefore, a woman's security and a child's safety are fundamentally intertwined.

Ensuring women's safety cannot be achieved simply by making women more aware. Male colleagues, family members, institutions and society as a whole all have responsibilities.

The witer is a Development Communication Practitioner (Member, Executive Committee, Padakhep).