40.5 per cent youth report facing intimate partner violence

 Kathmandu, Dec. 28

Recent research concluded by ChildSafeNet, in collaboration with the South Africa-based Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), has found systemic gaps, including victim-blaming, insufficient survivor-centred approaches and inadequate legal frameworks in terms of online intimate partner violence (IPV).

The research report, 'From Romance to Risks: Online Intimate Partner Violence against Teens and Young People in Nepal’ reported that while both 16–17 and 18–24 age groups were equally at risk, older participants demonstrated a greater ability to recognise and avoid abusive behaviours.

"About 40.5 per cent of study participants reported facing IPV in current or past relationships, and one in four individuals in intimate relationships experienced online IPV," concluded the report. Sunsari district reported the highest prevalence of online IPV at 38 per cent which is driven by rigid gender norms. Meanwhile, shorter relationships (less than six months) showed a higher prevalence of IPV.

Likewise, 11 per cent of participants in relationships reported adult-minor relationships, raising concerns about consent and vulnerabilities. About 46 per cent of those experiencing IPV faced both online and offline abuse, highlighting the interconnected nature of these forms of violence.

The report of the study also mentioned that the LGBTQIA+ community was particularly vulnerable due to reliance on online dating apps to affirm their identities.

The study collected information from 4,501 teens and young people aged 16 to 24 from ten districts across Nepal’s seven provinces. It aimed to uncover the risks, protective practices and systemic gaps related to IPV facilitated by digital platforms, informed the organisers.

The study also made tailored recommendations to the multi-sectoral duty-bearers and stakeholders, urging them to fulfill their roles in protecting teens and young people from online IPV. It calls for a holistic approach, recommending education, awareness campaigns, policy reforms and stronger legal frameworks, along with greater involvement of parents and schools in online safety.

Anil Raghuvanshi, Founder and President of ChildSafeNet said in a programme organised to launch the report, "The internet has become a key communication tool, shaping modern relationships, particularly among teens and young people. The unsafe use of digital technology led to an increase in tech-facilitated IPV, manifested as controlling behaviours, stalking, coercion and emotional abuse."

Likewise, Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director at SVRI highlighted the importance of fostering knowledge and collaboration to end sexual violence against teens and young people, in her video message.

“By broadening the definition of intimate relationships to include same-sex partnerships, live-in relationships and cyber-dating, this study addresses gaps in existing research,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting children and young people both offline and online, the chief guest of the event, Bam Bahadur Baniya, Vice-Chairperson of the National Child Rights Council (NCRC), said, “The NCRC is committed to working with organisations like ChildSafeNet to safeguard children and young people online. Addressing the issue of online IPV requires collaborative efforts from the government and civil society organisations.”

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 29 December 2024.