10144139CyVAWG - Cyber Violence against Women and GirlsClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UK1 in 4 women experience some form of online abuse termed as Cyber violence against women and girls (CyVAWG) that includes cyberstalking, revenge porn, and harassment. The growing reliance on digital platforms has amplified the severity, speed, and scale of these crimes, further worsened by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). AI has facilitated harmful practices like deepfakes, which add new layers to the forms of abuse that women and girls face online. Many victims remain unaware of how to report these incidents or seek help, leaving them vulnerable and isolated. This project aims to investigate the characteristics of CyVAWG and its debilitating impact on victims, including the severe mental-health consequences such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. CyVAWG also silences women in public spaces, reducing their participation in political discourse and social media, diminishing female representation. Marginalised groups, i.e. ethnic minorities, often face additional challenges like stigma, victim-blaming, and honour-based shame, making them more vulnerable to cyber violence. Current legal frameworks are reactive, often focusing on punishing perpetrators rather than protecting victims. Underreporting remains a significant issue due to fear of retaliation and mistrust in the legal system. This project in collaboration with charity centres such as Roshni and Legacy Centre of Excellence will highlight real cases to illustrate the delays in law enforcement response, exacerbating trauma for victims. To address these challenges, our project will: * **Raise awareness** of CyVAWG and its impact. * **Provide practical tools** for females to protect themselves online. * **Build a supportive network** for victims and survivors. * **Deliver strategic recommendations** for legal reforms, platform accountability, and better support systems for victims. The project will also produce a toolkit developed by Aston University's Cyber Security Innovation Centre (CSI), that will consist of: * A **taxonomy of CyVAWG** to help women recognise various forms of abuse. * Guidance on **reporting mechanisms** and how to report incidents. * **Cybersecurity basics** to protect against online threats. * **Mental health resources** to build resilience against the psychological impacts of abuse. * An overview of **legal rights and protections** in the UK and Europe. * **Workshops and interactive sessions** to teach women through scenario-based exercises. The project aims to empower women and girls to navigate the digital world safely, fostering awareness, resilience, and stronger reporting and protection mechanisms. By advocating for platform accountability, modernizing legal frameworks, and offering targeted educational programs, this initiative seeks to create safer online spaces and increase female participation in digital public life.