Digital violence against women is rising across Europe, new research finds
New research indicates that online abuse targeting women and girls is increasing across Europe. Cyberstalking, surveillance, threats and image-based abuse, including deepfake pornography, are emerging as the most widespread forms of digital violence, raising concerns about enforcement gaps and the role of automated technologies.
Digital violence targeting women and girls is becoming more widespread across Europe, according to recent research documenting a steady rise in cyberstalking, online surveillance and digital threats. While digital tools have expanded opportunities for communication and participation, researchers warn that online environments are increasingly exposing women to persistent harassment rather than safety or accountability.
One of the most significant trends identified is the sharp growth of image-based abuse. Synthetic sexual content, particularly deepfake pornography, now dominates this category and overwhelmingly targets women. Researchers note that these practices amplify existing gender-based harms by enabling the rapid creation and dissemination of sexualised images without consent.
National data from across Europe show that more than half of countries report rising cases of non-consensual intimate image sharing. In parallel, women consistently represent the majority of victims in reported cases of cyberstalking and online threats. These patterns suggest that digital violence is not evenly distributed but disproportionately affects women and girls.
The research also highlights the role of algorithmic systems in accelerating the spread of abusive material. Recommendation and ranking mechanisms can amplify misogynistic content, creating closed digital spaces in which harassment is normalised rather than challenged. Such dynamics are of particular concern for younger users, who may be more exposed to harmful narratives through automated content feeds.
Recent advances in generative technologies have further intensified these risks. Tools capable of producing realistic image manipulation with minimal technical expertise have lowered barriers to abuse, often without adequate safeguards. Investigations into chatbot-generated sexualised images have led to new platform restrictions, but women’s rights organisations argue that enforcement and prevention measures remain insufficient given the scale and persistence of online harm.
Researchers conclude that addressing digital violence against women requires not only reactive measures but also stronger oversight of the technological systems that enable abuse, alongside more consistent legal and institutional responses across Europe.
