DIGITAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN NIGERIA: STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION

Abstract

This study investigated digital violence against women in Nigeria, and the strategies for prevention. The study was conducted in Cross River State, with two objectives viz; to examine the types of digital violence prevalent in Nigeria and the strategies for combating these violence. The study revealed different types of violence perpetrated against women digitally, including cyber bullying, cyber stalking, doxing, cyber harassment etc. Some of the strategies for combating these violence included engaging young people, digital campaigns, multisectoral partnerships etc. Based on the above, it was recommended among others that; laws should be put in place to curb online gender-based violence against women and girls; violators should be held accountable to minimize these violence at all levels; there should be changing attitudes, gender roles and stereotypes that make violence against women acceptable, and raising awareness of different types of violence and preventive actions should be taken within the education system, among professionals working with victims and in cooperation with NGOs, the media and the private sector in order to reach out to the public.