Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls: A Short Guide to Understanding and Reporting

Digital technologies and online spaces have become an integral part of everyday life, communication, work, and civic engagement. However, the same tools that enable connection, visibility, learning, and empowerment are increasingly being used as means of control, intimidation, and violence against women and girls. Technology-facilitated violence represents a continuation of gender-based violence in the digital environment and cannot be regarded as “less serious” or separate from other forms of violence.

This guide was developed to provide clear, accessible, and practical information on technology-facilitated violence against women and girls. It is intended for women who have experienced or are at risk of such violence, as well as for professionals working in institutions, civil society organizations, the judiciary, the police, and social welfare centers, as a tool for better understanding, identification, and appropriate response.

The handbook includes an overview of the legislative framework in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the most common types and forms of technology-facilitated violence, and their impact on women’s psychological, social, economic, and physical well-being. It also provides basic guidelines for documenting evidence and reporting violence to relevant institutions and online platforms. Emphasis is placed on survivor safety, the importance of timely response, and available forms of support through civil society organizations.