Does online sexual violence mainly affect teenage girls?
Social media and digital technologies have profoundly transformed relationships among young people, giving rise to new forms of sexual violence. These aggressions, which involve the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sexual harassment, or blackmail, primarily affect girls. They extend and amplify the gender inequalities already present in society, particularly targeting teenage girls and young women.
Studies show that these digital forms of violence are not isolated incidents but are part of a continuum of sexual violence experienced by women throughout their lives. Among the most common practices are the sending or receiving of unsolicited sexual images, the sharing of intimate photos or videos without consent, and blackmail involving the publication of such images. These acts, often downplayed or dismissed as jokes, have serious consequences for the mental and social health of victims. Girls are the main targets, while boys are more often the perpetrators.
Young girls experience greater emotional and social impact than boys. They are more exposed to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Their reputation can be permanently damaged, and they risk being stigmatized or blamed by those around them. The responses from institutions, such as schools or online platforms, often remain insufficient, discouraging victims from seeking help.
Current preventive interventions focus mainly on individual risks, without always considering structural dimensions such as gender and power dynamics. Yet, to effectively protect the sexual and digital rights of young people, a comprehensive approach is essential. This involves better training for professionals, educating young people about respectful use of digital tools, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms.
Online sexual violence is not inevitable. Collective awareness and targeted actions can help prevent these abuses and support victims. The challenge is to create a safer digital environment where everyone can interact without fear of humiliation or threats.
Information and Sources
Scientific Reference
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-026-00281-x
Title: Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence among Adolescents and Young People: A Systematic Review of Reviews
Journal: Adolescent Research Review
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: Laura Sampedro-Ferreirós; Yolanda Rodríguez-Castro; Rosana Martínez-Román; María Lameiras-Fernández