New study: Gender-based violence online in Syria

Available in English and Arabic language – download study below

DW Akademie has published a new study on gender‑based violence online (GBVO) in Syria, showing how harassment, threats and blackmail on digital platforms are silencing women’s voices and pushing them out of public life. The study “Safer platforms, stronger participation – Mapping gender-based violence online in Syria,”, was conducted by the research organisation Ektimisi as part of DW Akademie’s project “Strong Female Voices for a United Syria”. 

Using an exploratory mixed‑methods approach – desk review, interviews, focus groups and an exploratory scan of platforms such as Facebook and Telegram - the study finds that GBVO in Syria is not just isolated incidents but rather a systemic pattern of control.

Systemic gender‑based violence online in Syria

Women who speak out, work visibly or take on public roles online are targeted with harassment, defamation campaigns, doxxing and blackmail. Abusers exploit platform features to coordinate attacks in semi‑closed spaces and amplify them in public ones. Victim‑blaming narratives and fear of stigma often leave women with a stark choice: endure ongoing abuse or withdraw from digital and public spaces entirely.

Despite these risks, survivors struggle to access trusted, survivor‑centred support, and many media outlets lack clear guidelines for dealing with online abuse of women journalists and sources. Platform reporting tools and moderation practices often fail to reflect local languages and contexts.

Concrete steps for media, civil society and policymakers to make digital spaces safer

The report offers concrete, practical recommendations aimed at media organizations, civil society and policymakers. These include establishing clear internal protocols for handling online attacks against staff and sources, strengthening digital safety and psychosocial support for women journalists and activists, building coalitions to document and challenge online abuse and advocating for more accountable platform policies.

With “Safer platforms, stronger participation,” DW Akademie aims to provide a resource for Syrian media and civil society partners, regional and international organizations and donors who are working to make digital spaces safer and more inclusive.