Addressing technology-facilitated sexual violence in South Africa
| dc.contributor.author | Newton, Kerwin Mel | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-12-09T10:39:06Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-12-09T10:39:06Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2024 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The fast development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has greatly changed how we connect, communicate, and interact with the world. This research explores Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV), a new and evolving form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) linked to the digital world. Fuelled by the fast development of ICT, TFSV changes how we think about sexual violence. It extends beyond physical spaces, spreading across digital platforms and covering a range of criminal and civil sexual offences committed through digital communication technologies. This research focuses on exploring the various forms of TFSV and its intersection with SGBV within the unique context of South Africa. TFSV includes actions like non-consensual sharing of intimate images, online harassment, cyberstalking, and virtual rape, highlighting the double-edged nature of technology. The study is grounded in a theoretical framework that blends feminist perspectives. This approach emphasises the unique harm caused by TFSV and shows the complex gender dynamics within the digital world. This thesis undertakes an analysis of both South African and international legal frameworks to evaluate whether current laws, at both domestic and global levels, are sufficient in addressing TFSV crimes. It also examines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, such as service providers, online communities, law enforcement, and social media platforms, in managing and responding to TFSV incidents. Particular focus is placed on the challenges posed by the digital divide, which can limit the effectiveness of efforts to combat TFSV. In addition, the research explores the complex impact of TFSV on victims, including the emotional, psychological, and social consequences, while delving into the nuanced issue of consent in the digital environment. By offering a critical analysis of these various aspects, the thesis seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and intricacies involved in TFSV cases, ultimately advocating for more effective legal and societal responses to this growing problem. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21555 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Criminal Law | |
| dc.subject | Cybercrime | |
| dc.subject | Digital Age | |
| dc.subject | Gender-Based Violence | |
| dc.subject | Pornography | |
| dc.title | Addressing technology-facilitated sexual violence in South Africa | |
| dc.type | Thesis |