Online Violence against Women from the Perspective of International Human Law

The unique features of cyberspace, including globalization, the absence of territorial borders, the anonymity of users along with the ease of impersonation have created conditions for delinquents to threaten individuals in cyberspace the same way in the real world. The abusive actions that target women and girls in online space is indicated as one of the leading and most perilous threats in this space. Indeed, exerting violence against women in the online space has consequences for their physical and mental health, reinforces gender discrimination, and violates women's rights, as well. Furthermore, the rights of freedom of expression, free access to information, and the right for privacy along with maintaining privacy are noted as norms of human rights applicable for the protection of women against online violence. The present article, through a descriptive-analytical approach and by analyzing the legal sources related to the foresaid field, seeks to reflect on online violence against women within the framework of rules and standards of human rights. The underlying premise of this article is that a simultaneous application of rules as well as state-regulated policies accompanied by a self-governing approach via exploiting the exclusive features of cyberspace will be helpful in reducing online violence against women.