What is sexual harassment?

Just as catcalling sometimes happens on the street, or women are subject to unsolicited groping at clubs, sexual harassment occurs on digital platforms, in chats and games.

Almost every person read as female and who is active online is familiar with the experience of receiving unwanted penis pictures in their inbox. It is an irritating phenomenon, and can be distressing. Sending unsolicited sexual content constitutes a criminal offence.

People read as female, trans* people and non-binary people are sometimes attacked in digital spaces because of their (perceived) gender. This also happens offline in places and communities where men are in the majority. The aim is to push women and girls out.

On occasion, avatars, i.e. the digital bodies of people, are attacked. This is digital sexualised violence. Even if nothing happens to your real body: It can be very distressing to be attacked in this way. This is especially true in virtual reality, because the experience there is particularly immersive, i.e. it feels more real than just being in front of a screen.

Cybergrooming means that adults or older adolescents use digital services to establish sexual contact with children and teenagers. By way of example, those affected can be coaxed into sending nude photos. If adults seek sexual contact with children, this is always sexualised violence! There are specialised information and support services for children and young people, parents and professionals. Links to some of these services are provided on the "Local support services" subpage.

If you need a break, that's fine. But you may also decide to continue being visible on platforms and in games. And you have the right to defend yourself against sexual harassment. Seek support if you need it!