Mon Dec 01 19:09:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

An increasing number of women in Delhi, especially from marginalized communities, are experiencing technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) like cyberstalking, doxxing, morphed images, and rape threats. While Delhi leads in overall crimes against women, reported cybercrimes against women remain surprisingly low according to NCRB data. This discrepancy arises from victims’ mistrust in the system, insensitive police responses, and the fear and shame associated with cybercrimes, preventing them from filing formal complaints. Despite police efforts to address the issue and raise awareness, many perpetrators remain unpunished. NGOs are highlighting the rising trend and calling for better understanding and action against TFGBV.

News Article:

Cyber Violence Against Women Surging in Delhi, Official Data Underreports Problem

NEW DELHI, December 2, 2025 – Despite leading in overall crimes against women, Delhi is facing a troubling surge in technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) that is significantly underreported in official crime statistics. A growing number of women, particularly those from marginalized communities, are becoming victims of online harassment, cyberstalking, doxxing, morphed images, and even rape threats.

Experiences shared by victims paint a grim picture of online spaces turning into breeding grounds for abuse. One Delhi college student, identified only as Nafisa, recounted receiving relentless rape threats and Islamophobic slurs after expressing an opinion online.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2023 indicates only 36 cyber crimes against women in Delhi. This figure sharply contrasts with the lived experiences of many, leading to questions about the accuracy and completeness of the official data. The reluctance of women to file formal complaints is a major contributing factor. Victims cite mistrust in the system, insensitive handling by police officers, and the deeply ingrained fear and shame associated with cybercrimes as primary reasons for not reporting incidents.

“We regularly receive complaints of AI-related morphing and deepfakes, as well as abuses and harassment of women online. On our portal, women have the option of reporting it anonymously, following which, we take such content down within 36 hours. Since they are mostly anonymous complaints, we cannot go ahead and file FIRs.” said Deputy commissioner of Police, Vinit Kumar.

The Delhi Police Department acknowledges receiving frequent complaints of cyber abuse against women and reports that they are working to raise awareness through cyber safety drives across university campuses.

The escalating issue prompted NGOs, feminist, and queer groups to focus on TFGBV during a recent gathering in Saket. Lora K. Prabhu, managing director of the Centre for Equity and Inclusion, stressed the urgent need to understand and address this complex issue, noting that even organizations working in the sector are grappling with defining the full scope of TFGBV.

The underreporting of TFGBV allows perpetrators to remain unpunished, contributing to a cycle of abuse. Advocacy groups are calling for a more sensitive and responsive approach from law enforcement, along with increased awareness and support for victims, to combat this growing threat.

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