The Ministry of Equality, through the Government Delegation against Gender Violence, has unveiled its summer campaign titled ‘Digital Violence is Violence’. This initiative seeks to highlight the different manifestations of misogynistic violence that occur online and particularly on social media. The campaign’s objective is to raise awareness about the severity of this issue, promote prevention efforts, and encourage effective reporting of such incidents.

Recent studies indicate that more than seventy-three per cent of women who use the internet have faced some form of digital violence, including harassment on social media, non-consensual dissemination of intimate images, and electronic monitoring. These acts inflict severe harm, undermining the freedom, safety, and well-being of victims. The campaign specifically targets men to promote a shift in attitudes and responsible use of new technologies, aiming to create a supportive environment for victims while clearly rejecting aggressors.

The main advertisement outlines various everyday scenarios such as nightclubs, beaches, gyms, and offices to reinforce that misogynistic violence extends beyond physical locations. The concluding message is clear: ‘Digital Violence is Violence’. This effort is part of the recently renewed State Pact against Gender Violence, which expands its focus to include economic, vicarious, and digital violence as priority areas.

The Ministry emphasises the urgency of educating and informing younger generations about safe and responsible internet usage, particularly on social media. It is also essential to encourage reporting of these aggressions and isolate those who perpetrate them. Individuals who harass, control, or humiliate online must understand that they lack support from their communities. With this campaign, the Ministry of Equality reaffirms its commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and violence-free digital space, demanding an immediate and unwavering response to the real violence occurring online. More information on victims’ rights and available resources can be found on the Ministry’s website.