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In today’s digital age, technology is an integral part of our lives. Access to mobile phones and the internet have significantly shaped the way we communicate, work, and access opportunities. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals rightly emphasize universal internet access as a critical step toward addressing gender inequality. While digital advancements have spurred global growth and development, they have also introduced new risks to human rights and safety. Among these is the alarming rise of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

In our increasingly digital world, technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) has become a significant issue, disproportionately affecting women, girls, and LGBTQI+ individuals. This form of abuse takes many shapes, all leveraging technology to harm, intimidate, or exploit victims. Below, we explore the various types of TFGBV to shed light on their impact and raise awareness about this pressing issue.

In today's digitized world, online dating apps have transformed how people connect for romantic and social interactions. As technology continues to reshape our lives, these platforms have gained immense popularity, offering convenience and accessibility that aligns with modern lifestyles. However, while online dating apps present numerous benefits, it’s essential to understand their features and the dynamics they introduce into digital relationships.

Online dating offers a world of opportunities to connect with others, but it also comes with risks. Among these are online dating predators—individuals who exploit dating platforms for harmful purposes. While not all fake profiles created for online dating apps are inherently malicious, predators with bad intentions exhibit specific characteristics that can lead to significant harm. Understanding these traits is vital for identifying and protecting yourself and others from potential threats.

In the age of digital connectivity, the rise of cyberbullying and other online crimes has necessitated robust legal frameworks to protect citizens from harm. South Africa has taken significant steps to address these challenges through various laws and policies aimed at combating cyber harassment and providing legal recourse for victims.

Online dating has transformed how people connect, providing opportunities to meet potential partners that were once unimaginable. However, with these opportunities come risks, and it's essential to raise awareness about the safety concerns tied to using dating apps.

The rise of child pornography and other forms of online exploitation in South Africa highlights the urgent need for awareness and action against Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV). Recent cases across the country underscore the severity of the problem and the importance of strengthening community vigilance and law enforcement efforts.

Efforts are underway to enhance the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response structure across the University of KwaZulu-Natal campuses. To achieve this, the GBV Response Office adopts an intersectional approach, recognising that individuals experience varying degrees of privilege and marginalisation, which influences their levels of vulnerability to GBV. This means risk factors are evaluated in combination rather than in isolation, considering how aspects such as age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and class overlap to create unique experiences of vulnerability or privilege for each individual.