It is important for cyber criminals to know that just like in the real world they can be prosecuted in the virtual world too
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All of us, especially the young, straddle two worlds today; one is the real and the other — the cyber universe. Women face tremendous harassment, intimidation, blackmail and outright threats in the cyber world. The attackers in the cyber universe get the power and courage to target women because of the anonymity the web offers. With anonymity comes supposed immunity. The way trolls target men and women are different. Women are no. 1 target on social media and the abuse and threats are often sexual in nature whenever women are involved. With men, it's usually limited to abuses, but there have been incidents where their female members — wives, daughters or mothers — are dragged into the conversation and are threatened with rape.
In such a scenario, seminars like this stand a chance to help more and more women. They must be organised regularly so that women know what action they can take against their harassers on social media. A public awareness campaign just like the efficacious one against drunk driving may also be of great benefit.
It is important for cyber criminals to know that just like in the real world they can be prosecuted in the virtual world too. It is vital that women are empowered with information about tackling online harassment and assurances that action will be taken on every credible complaint.
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