USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO CURB THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (VAW) IN

INDIA
ABSTRACT
Technology is the collection of techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the
production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives, such as scientific
investigation. Technology can be the knowledge of techniques, processes, etc. or it can
be embedded in machines, computers, devices and factories, which can be operated by
individuals without detailed knowledge of the workings of such things. Technology-related
violence affects children and adults. It can be perpetrated by females and males and both
can be victims/survivors of this violence. All technology-related violence is concerning
and unacceptable. Given the mandate of the Learning Network, our focus is on violence
against women (VAW). Within this context, the implications of the rapid advancements in
and accessibility of technology are both positive and negative for women. Technology is
playing a role in all categories of violence against women (e.g., sexual violence,
harassment and stalking, intimate partner violence). Telephones, computers, and the
internet can be used to harm women. While the dynamics of violence largely remain the
same, technology extends the reach and creates new forms of abusive behavior.
Technology- related violence erodes a woman’s sense of safety: it threatens the
geographic and spatial boundaries of a “safe distance” or a “safe place.” Regardless of
whether technology is used, the root causes of violence against women are inequality
and discrimination, and a woman’s experience of violence is shaped by her social location
(e.g., intersecting factors such as class, race, age). When considering the advantages of
technology for women, we must remember that its potential value is impeded by factors
related to gender inequality and discrimination. Further, technology only benefits women
in social locations where it is accessible (available and affordable) to them. Accessible
technological applications and devices can facilitate communication and foster safety.
Access to social media may connect, inform and reduce isolation. The internet creates
opportunities for online counselling, training, and public education campaigns.
INTRODUCTION
Online harassment or cyber stalking is the use of technology to follow and harass
someone – often to the extent that the person fears for their safety. Cyber stalking
includes (repeatedly) sending threats or false accusations via email or mobile phone,
making threatening or false posts on websites, stealing a person's identity or data or
spying and monitoring a person's computer and internet use. Sometimes the threats can
escalate into physical spaces.
Persistent mobile calls from strangers: In a survey carried out for APC in Pakistan in2009
approximately 94% of women respondents had received harassing calls and messages
from men they did not know. Repeat calls from strangers were so common that most
women had even stopped being bothered by them. One in 10 women received threats
from strangers and in one case the woman received death threats and decided to leave
Pakistan.
• Manipulating photographic images: In India, Delhi police note that of all cybercrime
cases reported almost half are filed by women who discover their faces morphed onto
pornographic images and posted online, usually accompanied by a personal phone
number and an invitation for strangers to call (Weiting).
• Fraudulent postings and advertisements False postings to popular websites have led to
violent attacks and harassment of women in the USA. A woman was raped by a stranger
who said he was answering her Craigslist ad5. The woman's ex-boyfriend had pretended
to be her in the ad saying she was looking for a man to fulfil her violent rape fantasy. The
ex-boyfriend and the man who answered the ad were charged.
How women are “taking back the tech” to end violence
Women’s rights activists use the internet, mobile phones and other technologies to
strengthen their campaigns and advocacy, expand their networks, prevent violations and
support healing of survivors. Particularly social networking tools and mobile phones are
making it possible for women's rights groups to reach constituencies that they didn't
before. As well as traditional telephone hot-lines and assistance, research has uncovered
other strategies used by women and assistance groups.
CONCLUSION
Women of all ages and backgrounds are at risk of many different types of violence. In
fact, millions of women in this country have experienced violence. Violence greatly affects
the lives and health of women: the impact can last for years––even a lifetime. But there
are places to turn for help, ways to protect yourself, and hope for healing and a better
future. Experiencing violence can greatly impact how you feel about yourself,
relationships, and the world around you. It can affect your physical and mental health.
And it can change your behavior and daily life. No one has the right to hurt you or make
you feel afraid. Do not let feelings of fear, shame, or guilt stop you from seeking help. You
are not at fault, and you do not need to hide what has happened. Many people and groups
are willing to help you.

M.L.N.Annapoorna
2014067 BALLB (hons)
DSNLU