In today’s digital age, cyberspace serves as a key enabler for economic growth, social engagement, and personal expression. However, it has also become a perilous environment for women, with an alarming rise in cybercrimes such as sexual harassment, blackmail, cyberbullying, and the exploitation of personal data by predators.
Recent police data paints a stark picture of the growing crisis. Between January and February this year alone, the Police Cyber Support for Women (PCSW) recorded 1,192 complaints. Last year, from August to December, a staggering 3,971 complaints were filed. Experts caution that this is only the tip of the iceberg, as many women lack the resources or confidence to report these crimes.
One such incident occurred in February, when a woman in Magura found that her personal photos had been manipulated into obscene images and shared on Facebook, along with her personal contact details and address. The victim filed a complaint, leading to the prompt arrest of the perpetrator—her ex-husband—who had launched a revenge porn campaign after she had sent him a divorce notice.
The PCSW’s monthly data further reveals an ongoing surge in complaints: 583 in January, 609 in February, and 630 in August last year. In total, 43,834 complaints have been registered with the PCSW since its inception on November 16, 2020. However, the actual number of cybercrimes is likely much higher, as many victims still avoid lodging complaints due to societal pressures and fear of public exposure.
Despite this, the PCSW has successfully intervened in 25,518 cases, offering legal assistance and removing harmful online content. However, not all cases end in formal legal proceedings. According to Enamul Haque Sagar, Assistant Inspector General of Police for media and public relations, lodging complaints is crucial for the police to effectively support victims.
The majority of complaints received by the PCSW relate to crimes such as doxing (41%), where private and doctored images are shared online, and hacking of social media accounts (18%). Other common issues include blackmail using manipulated images and videos (18%), and cyberbullying (9%).
One such case in Chattogram involved a homemaker whose photos were stolen from her husband’s phone by a mobile phone repairer. The perpetrator then used the stolen images to create a fake Facebook profile and extorted money from the victim. After filing a complaint, the police successfully apprehended the culprit.
While the efforts of the PCSW are commendable, experts argue that the legal and support systems for women in cybercrimes are still inadequate. Human rights activists and legal experts point out the lack of victim-centric support systems and specialized lawyers to handle such cases.
Supreme Court lawyer Jyotirmoy Barua suggests that there is a significant gap in the legal infrastructure, as current laws fail to address issues like protection and safeguarding for women in cyberspace. He advocates for the inclusion of cybercrimes against women in the existing legal framework to ensure better support for victims.
Sanzida Akhter, a professor at Dhaka University, highlights “cultural lag” as a key factor contributing to the persistence of cybercrimes. The rapid evolution of digital tools and technologies often outpaces the ability of society to adapt its values, beliefs, and norms, leading to a situation where women are left vulnerable. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe cyberspace and ensuring that women have access to digital resources to foster their growth.
Furthermore, the stigma surrounding victims of cybercrimes remains a significant barrier to seeking justice. Many women avoid filing complaints due to the fear of being blamed for the crimes committed against them. The lack of a victim-centric support system and the culture of victim-blaming only exacerbate this issue.
Legal experts like Miti Sanjana argue that the current cybersecurity laws are insufficient to address the needs of cybercrime victims, particularly women and underage girls. The lack of proper implementation of these laws contributes to the ongoing cycle of harm and trauma experienced by victims.
The issue of cybercrimes against women requires urgent attention and reform. Along with stricter laws and better enforcement, there is an immediate need for improved support systems, increased awareness, and education on safe internet practices. Only then can women truly feel secure in navigating the digital world.
