Cyberviolence against women

This chapter critically examines the existing legal frameworks addressing cyberviolence against women, exposing both their potential and their significant shortcomings. Beginning with an overview of national approaches, it highlights the fragmented, inconsistent, and often gender-neutral nature of laws that fail to reflect the complexity and gendered dimensions of online abuse. The analysis then shifts to international and regional frameworks, including the United Nations (UN), the Council of Europe, and the European Union (EU). While these institutions have developed certain instruments, such as the CEDAW Convention, the Istanbul Convention, and the EU Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, none provide a comprehensive, victim-centered approach to prevention, protection, and prosecution. The chapter underscores the reluctance of governments to regulate technology companies and social media platforms, despite their central role in enabling cyberviolence. It concludes that existing laws are fragmented, underenforced, and inadequate for addressing the cross-border nature of cyberviolence, calling for systemic reforms and stronger accountability mechanisms.