Open letter: Gender-inclusive and safe digital world that is free from violence for all
EDRi and 45 organisations call on the European Parliament to better protect those who face digitally facilitated gender-based violence.
Over 38% of women globally have experienced online violence. Rules that guarantee the safety of those facing digitally facilitated gender-based violence are undoubtfully needed, which is why EDRi welcomes the ambition and commitment of the EU institutions in taking a holistic approach to tackle all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including cyber violence through the “Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence“.
However, building an approach which centres on criminalisation will not make the cut in protecting women online. The focus should instead lay on the needs and experiences of the survivors, addressing the underlying societal issues. This does not mean looking away from online behaviours that perpetuate GBV but shifting the focus to those who experience GBV in order to respond to their needs effectively.
EDRi and 45 organisations call on the European Parliament to build a law which creates a gender-inclusive and safe digital world that is free from violence for all.
