The cyber space, once hailed as a realm of connectivity and progress, has transformed into a treacherous minefield for women and girls in Albania. Alarm bells resound from the national platform "isigurt.al," where reports of cyber harassment and abuse continue to pour in unabated.
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| Altin Hazizaj, foto: Facebook |
Altin Hazizaj, in an interview with local media, highlights a disturbing trend unique to Albania. He notes a disturbing amalgamation of hate speech and sexual predation, unlike any other European country.
"In Albania, we observe organized groups of young men who target primarily young girls. They denigrate their character, subject them to bullying, and exert pressure with the ultimate goal of coercion. This type of violence typically occurs in adolescence and extends until the age of 30, after which reports decline," said Altin Hazizaj, from CRCA.
What is even more concerning is that these cases are not isolated incidents.
"Over 8 years, we have recorded over 600 cases, averaging around 100 cases per year. In 2023 alone, we saw 163 cases," Hazizaj added.
It all begins on social media platforms and escalates rapidly, yet what is sorely lacking is the legal framework to prosecute the perpetrators.
But which platforms witness the highest incidence of violence?
The Tirana region bears the brunt of reported cases and incidents by women and girls, followed by the regions of Durrës, Fier, and Korçë. From 2018 to 2023, reported incidents of misogyny and hate speech have quintupled. Although women account for 46% of the reports, statistics reveal that girls and women comprise over 60% of the primary victims of cyber violence.
Efforts must be redoubled to provide a safe and secure cyber environment for all individuals, irrespective of gender. It's imperative that legal mechanisms are reinforced to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that cyber space remains a space of empowerment, not intimidation.