CYBERCRIME VICTIMIZATION OF WOMEN: A CRITICAL STUDY
AUTHOR – MR. DEEPAK& MR. BHARAT
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS AT J C COLLEGE OF LAW, BAHADURGARH
BEST CITATION – MR. DEEPAK& MR. BHARAT, CYBERCRIME VICTIMIZATION OF WOMEN: A CRITICAL STUDY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 1021-1029, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/ZDVH8370
Abstract
The rapid expansion of digital technology has transformed communication and social interaction, but it has also intensified the vulnerability of women to cybercrime. This paper critically examines the nature and extent of cybercrime victimization of women, analyzing its forms, causes, legal responses, and consequences. The study explores major cyber offences against women, including cyber stalking, cyber bullying, online sexual harassment, image-based abuse, doxxing, revenge pornography, identity theft, impersonation, and financial frauds.
The research identifies key contributing factors such as technological advancements, socio-cultural conditions, psychological influences, patriarchal structures, lack of digital literacy, and the anonymity afforded to offenders in cyberspace. It evaluates the legal framework in India, with particular reference to the Information Technology Act, 2000, relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, constitutional safeguards, and the role of cyber cells and specialized agencies. Judicial approaches and landmark case laws are examined to assess the effectiveness of existing remedies and enforcement mechanisms.
The paper further analyzes the profound psychological, social, economic, and privacy-related impact of cyber victimization on women, highlighting long-term trauma and mental health concerns. It also discusses critical challenges such as under-reporting of offences, investigative and jurisdictional difficulties, limited public awareness, and inadequate victim support systems.
Based on its findings, the study proposes legal reforms, policy measures, technological safeguards, and victim-centric approaches to strengthen protection mechanisms and promote safer digital environments for women. The paper concludes that a comprehensive and coordinated response involving law, technology, institutions, and civil society is essential to combat cybercrime against women effectively.
Keywords – Cybercrime, Women Safety, Online Harassment, Digital Victimization’ Legal Framework