The rise of tech-facilitated intimate partner violence in Bangladesh

Tech-facilitated intimate partner violence (TF-IPV) is the act of threatening, stalking or abusing a current or former partner through the misuse or abuse of technology. On the same note, technology-facilitated sexual violence (TFSV) involves a broad range of sexual abuse online, including sextortion, cyber harassment, sharing of images without consent and voyeurism, all of which are blatant abuses of privacy, consent, an array of individual rights and dignity.

In contrast to general cybercrimes, where the data or money is the target, TF-IPV attacks sexual autonomy and emotional well-being of the victims. The emergence of deepfakes, fake accounts and internet blackmail has moved traditional gender based violence into the virtual world. There is digital humiliation coupled with non-digital harm and damage to the victims. In Bangladesh, these abuses are not a far-off phenomenon anymore; they are occurring on a daily basis at the universities, offices, and within the four walls of households. It does not inflict physical bruises, but its psychological effect is severe.

 A University student told the authors that "I blocked him on every social media platform, still he finds his way. I believe he is spying on me and it drives me insane". Such fear may lead to insomnia, panic attacks and social withdrawal. A sense of betrayal, which is caused by the emotional trauma of being abused by a loved one, intensifies the trauma, inculcating shame, guilt, and self-blame.

The new weapon in the digital arsenal is now Artificial Intelligence, which is now becoming a tool to harass, violate, defame, and shame women. Here, the catch is that many of the victims do not even consider taking any steps to vindicate their rights. This reflects their lack of confidence in the laws and their implementation process.

The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act 2010 provides a definition of domestic violence as physical, sexual, economic, or emotional abuse, but fails to specifically mention digital violence. The Pornography Control Act 2012 criminalises non-consensual production and release of sexual images. The Cyber Safety Ordinance 2025 is yet another significant development in this context, as it categorically criminalises blackmailing, revenge pornography, sextortion and creation or distribution of AI-generated sexual materials. It also stipulates that severe punishments should be imposed in cases where women or minors are the victims. This is a major advancement as compared to the Cyber Security Act 2023 that emphasised mostly on hacking and financial fraud. Nevertheless, digital abuse cannot be solved only with help of legislation. It requires gender-sensitive investigations, trained officers, and procedures that focus on the survivors.

In fact, Bangladesh needs to respond to TF-IPV and TFSV by initiating a multidimensional reform across legal, institutional, and mental health sectors. The Domestic Violence Act needs to be revised to accommodate digital gender-based violence. Much like any gender-based violence victims, cyber abuse victims are also victimised twice by the perpetrators and a conservative society that considers them as immoral or irresponsible or worse, responsible for the crimes. This victim-blaming culture increases the extent of trauma and discourages reporting. The victims also often have to face untrained police or insensitive court officials, which makes them relive the trauma.

A justice system that is informed by trauma and vulnerability is hence of utmost necessity. TF-IPV should be brought within the ambit of criminal laws and addressed effectively in order to close the legal, digital, and psychological gaps. Law enforcement officials, lawyers and judges are supposed to be trained to handle cases with increased sensitivity and empathy. The cybercrime departments ought to have counsellors or keep partnerships with mental health professionals. Women officers who are trained to deal with digital gender-based violence and referral systems across both legal aid and counselling services can help deliver justice and contribute to recovery of the victims. The Mental Health Act 2018 presents an option of community-based care, but it does not consider the trauma associated with digital abuse.

Moreover, digital consent, emotional abuse, and online ethics should be taught through public awareness activities, particularly in schools, colleges, universities, and in communities, targeting both women and men, to decrease the sense of stigma often associated with abuse. Sustained cooperation with technology platforms is also of paramount importance to delete objectionable content and tighten privacy policies. In the meantime, local mental health sites must improve access to community-based services that provide affordable mental health therapy, internet-based counselling and peer assistance. The ability to make survivors rebuild their self-esteem is equally essential as punishing the criminals. TF-IPV is not merely a cyber-crime, it is a psychological weapon undermining trust, safety and dignity. Justice is not just about prosecuting the abusers or erasing harmful material, but also about restoration of mental and emotional well-being of the survivor. Only with effective legal reform, survivor-based justice, and available mental health support, is it possible to ensure a safe cyber space for everyone.

The writers are apprentice lawyers of Dhaka Judge Court.