Chikomborero Foundation hosted an important dialogue on Digital Violence, shedding light on the often-overlooked emotional and psychological impact of online abuse, particularly on women and girls.
The session emphasized that digital violence goes beyond what is said or done online, it is about how it makes people feel. For many, the internet has become an unsafe space where experiences such as cyberbullying, trolling, threats, impersonation, and the non-consensual sharing of private content are increasingly common.
Participants explored how these experiences can lead to serious mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, fear, withdrawal, and loss of self-esteem. In more severe cases, the impact can extend to suicidal thoughts. Despite this, digital violence is often minimized or dismissed as “just online,” making it harder for victims to be taken seriously and receive support.
Key themes included:
- Understanding the different forms of digital violence
- Recognizing the emotional and psychological effects of online abuse
- Challenging the normalization and dismissal of harmful online behavior
- Promoting accountability and empathy in digital spaces
The session featured Tariro Machingura, who contributed valuable insights into the realities of online abuse and the importance of creating safer digital environments. Her perspective helped deepen awareness around the need for respect, responsibility, and protection in online interactions.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own digital behavior and to actively contribute to building safer, more supportive online communities.
Overall, the dialogue reinforced a powerful message: every click, comment, and conversation matters, and creating safer digital spaces is a shared responsibility.
