“No safe haven for digital abusers in Edo”

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard women and girls across the state, both in physical spaces and on digital platforms, vowing that offenders involved in online abuse will be held fully accountable under the law.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance in Benin on Tuesday as the state commenced activities marking this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Abdallah observed that although technology provides vast opportunities in today’s interconnected world, it has simultaneously created new avenues through which women and girls experience harm.

She listed the growing forms of digital violence to include cyber bullying, online harassment, the non-consensual circulation of intimate images, cyberstalking, identity theft, recruitment for trafficking through social media, hate speech, targeted digital attacks, radicalisation and online manipulation.

“This year’s global theme, ‘Unite to Prevent Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls’, highlights a rapidly expanding but often underestimated dimension of gender-based violence, the abuse and harm inflicted through digital channels.

“Digital violence is real. Its psychological, emotional, social and even physical consequences can be just as damaging as those experienced offline. Because abuse online can trail victims anywhere and at any time, its reach is virtually boundless,” she said.

She stressed that the government would not allow the digital environment where children, especially girls, learn, interact and develop their futures, to turn into a space of fear and intimidation.

Abdallah noted that the state has strengthened protection systems through several initiatives, including expanding Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Benin City and Uromi.

Other measures include stricter enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, training social workers, counsellors, security personnel and health workers on survivor support, and deepening collaboration with the Police, NSCDC, NAPTIP, the Ministry of Justice, civil society organisations and technology stakeholders.

She added that the state is promoting digital literacy and online safety campaigns across schools, communities and youth hubs.

Urging residents to play an active role in fostering safer online and offline spaces, Abdallah called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s online activities. She also encouraged schools to incorporate digital safety lessons into their daily teaching.

She appealed to technology firms and telecommunications companies to improve reporting channels and embed more protective tools on their platforms. Youths, she added, should use their digital influence responsibly by promoting respect and rejecting harmful online conduct.

“These efforts demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting every woman and girl in Edo State,” she said. “Ending digital violence is a collective responsibility. When we join forces, we build a world, both online and offline, where women and girls can live and thrive without fear,” she added.

This year’s campaign features a road walk through major streets and markets in Benin, statewide school-based digital safety outreach, social media advocacy, community sensitisation drives, radio discussions on preventing and reporting digital violence, and a stakeholders’ conference involving government agencies, civil society groups, partners, community leaders and youth organisations.