Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is any act of gender-based violence that could cause an individual harm. It can have devastating impacts on individuals’ lives.

Globally, almost 1 in 3 women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.

Violence against women and girls does not only happen offline — it increasingly takes place in digital spaces. What starts online can move offline, and vice versa. Digital violence is an extension and amplification of violence encountered in person.

From social media to messaging apps and gaming platforms, girls and young women can experience numerous forms of digital violence (sometimes called technology-facilitated gender-based violence), including:

• Unwanted sexual comments or images
• Online misogyny, e.g the manosphere, incel forums
• Online stalking
• Cyberbullying, online threats and harassment
• Sharing intimate images without consent, including AI-generated deepfake nudes

This issue is recognised in Scotland’s national strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls, Equally Safe. It sets out a shared vision for a Scotland where women and girls live free from all forms of violence and abuse, including those happening online.

Why this matters – Key statistics

Online violence is widespread and disproportionately affects girls and young women. Recent studies underline the scale of the issue, both globally and within Scotland:

• In Scotland, around 1 in 6 women (17%) have experienced online violence, rising to 27% among young women aged 16–24 (Open University).
• 61% of those affected in Scotland reported a negative impact on their mental health and wellbeing (Open University).
• Police Scotland recorded a 21% increase in online child sexual abuse and exploitation between April 2023 and March 2024 (Police Scotland).
• Amnesty UK found that 1 in 3 young women had experienced online abuse (Amnesty UK).

These figures show very clearly that online violence against women and girls is not rare. For girls in Scotland, it’s a pressing public health, equality, and digital wellbeing concern.

Psychological impact

Individuals who have experienced gender based violence report experiencing:

• Depression
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trouble sleeping
• Disordered eating / eating disorders
• Substance use
• Suicidal ideation
• Fear for physical safety
• Censoring or withdrawing from online platforms

The impact is worse for women and girls with intersecting forms of discrimination, including race, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Resources

For partners working with children and young people, we must help young people recognise and speak about online violence against women and girls and equip them with the tools to stay safe and resilient online. Below are resources that could support this:

• UK Safer Internet Centre – Information, resources and lesson plans on a range of relevant online safety issues.
• Childnet – Guidance for children, parents and carers, and teachers/professionals on online safety themes.
• Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) – Peer-led resource for secondary schools and youth settings, addressing online misogyny and harmful behaviour
• Education Scotland – Safeguarding: Online Abuse and Exploitation – Guidance for educators and youth practitioners on tackling online harms and exploitation.
• Equally Safe at School – An online intervention supporting a whole school approach to addressing gender-based violence. Available for higher education.
• RSHP – National resource for relationships, sexual health and parenthood for children and young people. Includes a catalogue of resources focusing on gender equality, discrimination, and Gender Based Violence.
• Online Harms – Helplines, supports, and reporting mechanisms for a variety of relevant harms, such as sexual exploitation/abuse.
• Gender-Based Violence – Learning module on TURAS. Anyone with an email address can register.

Support for girls and young women

If a girl or young woman you are supporting experiences online violence or harm, they must know where to turn:

• Amina – Support for Muslim women across Scotland 0808 801 0301.
• Childline – Call 0800 1111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Domestic Abuse & Disclosure Scheme – Information about domestic abuse, including reporting and available support, Police Scotland.
• NHS Scotland Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS) – Call 0800 148 88 88. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Rape Crisis Scotland – Free, confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, 08088 01 03 02,  rapecrisisscotland.org.uk.
• Samaritans – Call any time, day or night for free, 116 123.
• Scottish Women’s Aid – Support for domestic abuse, 0800 027 1234.
• Victim Support Scotland – Emotional and practical help for anyone affected by crime – 0800 160 1985, victimsupport.scot.
• Scotland’s Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline – Phone 0800 027 1234, available 24/7.
• The Mix – Support for under-25s via phone, chat, and forums: themix.org.uk.

Actions you can take

• Link your work to the national strategy – Map your work against the Equally Safe strategy.
• Deliver awareness sessions – Use the MVP “Challenging Online Misogyny” resource or Education Scotland’s materials to engage pupils and youth groups, engaging boys and girls in discussions.
• Strengthen safeguarding policies – Include online violence against women and girls in staff training and child protection policies.
• Create safe reporting routes – Ensure both staff and children and young people are aware of available supports. For example, display “Who to talk to” posters in youth settings and classrooms.
• Collaborate locally – Engage with partners across your community, such as via engaging with the Digital Collaborative network.
• Gather youth insight – Ask young people what they experience online and how they want adults to respond — co-create solutions with them.

There’s no excuse for digital violence against all women and girls. We all have a role to play in ensuring that girls and young women in Scotland can live, learn, and connect free from fear and harm.

You can download our Online Violence Against Women and Girls resource so you have all of this information to hand:

Aye Mind newsletter – Online Violence Against Women and Girls

If you would like to subscribe, email ggc.mhead@nhs.scot and request to be added to the Aye Mind newsletter distribution list.