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Understanding the Laws and Protections Against TFGBV

What is TFGBV?

Understanding Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence is the first step to building safer online spaces. Learn how laws protect your rights and dignity.

📡 Kenya Information and Communications Act (1998)

This Act governs electronic communication and promotes ethical online behavior, indirectly addressing TFGBV.

đź“ś Constitution of Kenya (2010)

Guarantees the right to privacy, freedom from discrimination, and protection from violence—core defenses against TFGBV.

👩🏽‍⚖️ National Gender and Equality Commission Act (2011)

Establishes oversight on gender-based issues and supports policy formation to curb digital abuse.

đź’» Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act (2018)

Criminalizes cyber harassment, stalking, and unauthorized sharing of intimate content.

đź”’ Data Protection Act (2019)

Ensures that victims control their personal information online—key to preventing digital exploitation.

Who?

Women, girls, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities are primarily affected.

What?

Harassment, threats, cyberstalking, image-based abuse, and more.

TFGBV

Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)

When?

Often begins as early as ages 9-14 and continues into adulthood.

Where?

Occurs on social media, email, smart tech, and connected devices.

TFGBV Statistics

Did you know? Over 85% of women online globally have witnessed or experienced digital violence. In Kenya, a 2021 survey reported that 1 in 3 women encountered TFGBV during election seasons.

This growing trend reflects how online spaces mirror offline gender discrimination—yet with faster, broader consequences. We need digital safety policies, education, and tech accountability now more than ever.

60% of survivors don’t report the abuse

40% of victims remain in contact with their abuser

Meaning and Types of TFGBV
01

Meaning and Types of TFGBV

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) describes harmful acts or behaviors committed against people using digital technologies, usually women and girls. These acts take advantage of the anonymity and connectivity that technology offers, making it easier for perpetrators to target their victims and inflict more widespread harm.

Forms of TFGBV
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Forms of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

TFGBV takes many forms, which are constantly evolving with technology. These acts often target women and girls, aiming to humiliate, silence, or control them through digital means. Some common forms include:

  • Cyberstalking: Repeated online harassment and threats that instill fear or distress.
  • Doxxing: Publishing private information like phone numbers, addresses, or personal data without consent.
  • Non-consensual sharing of intimate images: Often referred to as “revenge porn,” this involves distributing private content to shame or blackmail victims.
  • Online harassment: Persistent abusive messages via social media, email, or forums.
  • Deepfakes and manipulated content: Using AI to create false or harmful visual/audio content, often sexual in nature.

These forms not only cause emotional and psychological harm but also infringe on rights to safety, dignity, and expression.

Explore more on UNFPA
Effects of TFGBV
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Effects of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

The impact of TFGBV goes beyond the screen. Victims experience serious consequences across emotional, physical, social, and economic levels:

  • Mental Health: Victims often suffer from anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and PTSD.
  • Loss of Opportunities: Some withdraw from public life, education, or career advancement due to fear or shame.
  • Physical Safety Risks: Online abuse can escalate to physical stalking or violence in the real world.
  • Self-Censorship: Many survivors silence their voices or avoid digital spaces entirely to avoid further harm.

These effects can linger for years, diminishing self-worth, eroding trust in technology, and limiting freedom of expression and access to digital resources.

Learn more on GWPS

Test Your TFGBV Knowledge

Basic Level Quiz

1. What is TFGBV?

2. Which is an example of TFGBV?

3. Who are chiefly targeted by TFGBV?

4. What is “doxxing”?

5. A consequence of TFGBV can be:

Your Score: %

đź“š Learn More: Useful Resources

đź“– Digital Safety Guide

Learn how to protect yourself from online abuse and harassment through this detailed guide that provides practical advice on securing your digital presence.

Download the Safety Guide Additional Guide

🎓 Learning the Effects of TFGBV

Understand the profound psychological and emotional effects that Technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence can have on its victims, and learn the best strategies to help prevent it.

Learn More About the Effects Additional Guide

đź”’ Protecting Yourself from TFGBV

This guide explains effective techniques and tools you can use to protect yourself from online and mobile harassment, including how to report TFGBV safely and securely.

Learn How to Protect Yourself Additional Guide