Zubair Qureshi
Cases of cyber harassment and online violence are increasing at an alarming pace and structural reforms are required to meet this challenge. According to a report on completion of 5 years of cyber harassment helpline, during 2021 alone the helpline received 4,441 complaints with an average of 370 per month while overall the helpline has received 11,681 cases in the last five years.
The Cyber Harassment Helpline report launched by a non-government organization Digital Rights Foundation’ which is working for protection of women against harassment reveals that during the last five years 68 per cent of the calls received were by women while 30 per cent were received by men and 1 per cent by gender minorities.
The cyber harassment helpline launched on December 1, 2016 is the region’s first dedicated helpline addressing online violence with gender-sensitive, confidential and free services.
The report launch marks the five-year milestone of the helpline on combating online violence and harassment.
Nighat Dad, the Executive Director of DRF stated the pace at which the cases of cyber harassment are increasing is alarming and must serve as a wake-up call for us to take appropriate action to make the internet a safe and equal space for everyone.
The most frequently mentioned platform in case of harassment was Whatsapp followed by Facebook, the report stated.
Manager, Cyber Harassment helpline Hyra Basit was of the opinion that along with the rise in engagement with digital spaces, there was a rise in harassment that reflected its patriarchal and misogynistic roots in the offline world.
The report highlights data collected by the helpline on cases of online harassment, where it stems from and the helpline’s intervention to help individuals facing online violence. The report also contains recommendations for policymakers and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) along with stories of women journalists and the abuse they’ve faced online.
The helpline provides legal advice, digital assistance and basic psychological assistance through a proper referral mechanism.
The toll-free number ‘080039393’ is available from Monday to Sunday, 9 am till 5 pm and extends its services over email and DRF’s social media platforms.
The helpline data also indicated that 893 complaints received on the helpline in the year 2021 were of blackmailing whereas 727 cases on the helpline were of the non-consensual use of images in 2021.
