For some it is casual interactions with old friends, building community groups but it has also become the playing field for cyberbullies who remain faceless.

The University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights, Project Manager, Hlengiwe Dube says the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign offers an opportunity to reflect on the many ways in which violence manifests and the steps that need to be taken to eliminate such abuse.

She says, “The focus often centers on physical violence, the rise of digital technologies has introduced new forms of abuse, particularly through online spaces.”

Dube explains why violence facilitated by technology now needs to be addressed as part of the broader fight against GBV.

“It’s our 16 days and in that we are also recognising that technology has transcended to the digital platform and hence we are talking about technology facilitated violence which mainly is about violence being perpetrated in the digital space using digital tools like using social media, internet and different applications that are available.


--SABC--