Online violence is the use of technology to cause, facilitate, or threaten violence against individuals that may result in physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm and suffering and includes the exploitation of the individuals’ circumstances, characteristics, or vulnerabilities[2].
In India, online violence has seen a steady increase with women reporting more frequent online violence than men. Evidence also shows that online violence disproportionately impacts women, girls and, LGBTI individuals[3].
Quilt.AI and the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) have spent the last several months researching online violence in India. Our research dives into online violence and behaviors before and during the pandemic in India.
The research focuses on 4 rural and 4 urban areas. Rural areas include Assagao, Kangra, Palakkad, and Gaya while urban areas are Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The analysis identified trends from discourse on social media platforms and search engines. We used findings from the research to inform recommendations for tech companies, policymakers, and NGOs to prepare for future times of crisis.
