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Digital violence and cybergrooming drive users from online spaces
Digital violence and cybergrooming are driving women and children away from online spaces. A survey by the German Women's Council reveals that two-thirds of women, and three-quarters of women aged 18 to 39, restrict their online activities to protect themselves from abuse and harassment.
Simultaneously, investigators are warning of a mass phenomenon regarding cybergrooming. An analysis by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) of 300 criminal cases found that 98 percent of perpetrators are male and 89 percent are German nationals. Approximately 60 percent of these offenders are adults, with an average age of 30. The victims are predominantly female (79 percent) and have an average age of 11.9 years.
Authorities note that perpetrators often use gaming platforms and social networks to establish contact, frequently attempting to move conversations to private chats. Officials warn that the actual number of cases is likely much higher than official statistics suggest.
Entities
Cybercrime Center Baden-Württemberg · Federal Criminal Police Office · German Women's Council · Mirko Heim · Nivedita Prasad
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately three quarters of women aged 18 to 39 restrict their online presence for protection. www.deutschlandfunknova.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] The average age of victims was 11.9 years, ranging from 8 to 13 years old. www.nn.de · www.onetz.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Perpetrators are 98 percent male and 89 percent German nationals. www.nn.de · www.onetz.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Victims in the analyzed cases were 79 percent female. www.nn.de · www.onetz.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Two thirds of women limit their online activities to protect themselves from abuse. www.deutschlandfunknova.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Investigators warn that the actual number of cybergrooming cases is significantly higher than reported. www.nn.de · www.onetz.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] An analysis of 300 criminal files shows approximately 60 percent of cybergrooming perpetrators are adults with an average age of 30. www.nn.de · www.onetz.de