Online Harm, Offline Silence
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and the Reporting Gap in Bangladesh.
When online harm happens, where do survivors turn for help – and what keeps them from formal reporting?
A substantial gap between experiencing harm and using formal support channels
More than one-third of respondents reported online harm
Seventy-six of 211 respondents, or 36.0%, said they had experienced online harm or harassment that made them feel uncomfortable, frightened or harassed.
Fake accounts were the most common reported harm
Among the 76 survivors, 34 (44.7%) reported that someone had created a fake account in their name. False information or rumours and repeated harassment were also common.
Formal reporting was limited
Thirty-two survivors (42.1%) selected “not reported”. Only six (7.9%) reported to law enforcement, while 33 (43.4%) told a friend or family member.
Institutional trust and procedural knowledge were major barriers
Among non-reporters, 43.8% cited lack of faith in authorities and 37.5% said they did not know the procedure or place for making a complaint.
Support options were poorly known
In the later survey module, only 17 of 126 respondents said they knew an organization or institution they would feel confident approaching for assistance.