CYBER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS

These figures do not tell the entire story however. Kenya’s
office of the Director of Public Prosecutions acknowledges
that women who are victims of cybercrime and bullying
very rarely report the crime. 45 A report from India, for
instance, suggests that “only 35 per cent of the women
have reported about their victimization, 46.7 per cent have
not reported and 18.3 per cent have been unaware of the
fact that they have been victimized … women prefer not to
report about their victimization owing to social issues.” 46
As the ease of connectivity increases worldwide, so will
the reach of violence. These statistics underpin the urgent
need to ensure a safe Internet for all.
2.2 How the Internet is perceived –
trust, safety and freedom
• A 2014 BBC World and GlobeScan poll across
17 countries – in both developed and developing
countries – revealed a growing sense of insecurity
among users. GlobeScan’s Chair commented that:
“The poll suggests that two of the underpinnings
of modern democracies are at risk – a media seen
as free and fair; and an Internet safe for the free
expression of views.”
• Those who feel “the Internet is a safe place to
express opinions” (40 per cent) are outnumbered
only slightly by those who disagree (52 per cent).
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