# Global rise in online violence and digital withdrawal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-rise-in-online-violence-against-women
> Updated: 2026-10-09T14:11:18.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

Reports indicate a global rise in online violence against women and girls, involving misogyny, threats, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content. In the United Kingdom, research found that 36% of women have experienced such violence, rising to 47% for those aged 16 to 24. In Togo, cyberharassment has caused psychological trauma and isolation.

In Germany, digital violence is driving significant behavioral changes. A survey by the German Women's Council found that 67% of women aged 18 to 74 have restricted their online behavior due to fears of sexualized violence, threats, and unwanted messages, with 76% of women aged 18 to 39 reporting such changes. The prevalence of sexualized deepfakes is a notable concern, with one in five women under 40 reporting exposure to AI-generated intimate imagery.

Newer investigations by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) highlight the issue of cybergrooming. An analysis of 300 criminal cases revealed that 98% of perpetrators were male and 89% were German nationals. The study found that victims were predominantly female (79%) with an average age of 11.9 years. Perpetrators often utilize gaming platforms and social networks to initiate contact before moving to private chats. Authorities warn that official statistics likely underrepresent the true scale of these cases.

Sociologists warn of a ‘chilling effect’ where fear of abuse leads to decreased visibility and participation for women, potentially resulting in democratic consequences. In response, organizations such as the German Association of Women Lawyers are calling for improved legal protections and better educational programs.

## Claims

- An analysis of 300 criminal files shows approximately 60 percent of cybergrooming perpetrators are adults with an average age of 30. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Perpetrators are 98 percent male and 89 percent German nationals. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Victims in the analyzed cases were 79 percent female. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The average age of victims was 11.9 years, ranging from 8 to 13 years old. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Investigators warn that the actual number of cybergrooming cases is significantly higher than reported. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two thirds of women limit their online activities to protect themselves from abuse. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Digital violence and cybergrooming drive users from online spaces

Women are increasingly restricting their online presence due to digital violence, while investigators warn of a rise in cybergrooming targeting minors on social and gaming platforms.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-violence-and-cybergrooming-drive-users-from-online-spaces

### 2026-09-28: German women withdraw from digital spaces due to online violence

A study by the German Women's Council shows that fear of digital violence and sexualized deepfakes is causing many women in Germany to restrict their online activities and withdraw from digital spaces.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/digital-violence-causes-women-in-germany-to-withdraw-from-online-spaces

### 2026-09-24: Online violence against women and girls rises globally

New reports highlight the rise of online violence against women, with 47% of young women in the UK experiencing digital harassment and tech platforms being criticized for facilitating such abuse.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/online-violence-against-women-and-girls-rises-globally

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Cite as: Global rise in online violence and digital withdrawal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-rise-in-online-violence-against-women