Psychological Victimisation Of Women Through Cybercrime: A Victimological Analysis
Kaviya R, LLM, Department of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Administration, School of Excellence in Law, The Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
ABSTRACT
The rapid development of the internet, social media and digital communication has created new forms of victimisation against women. Cyberstalking, cyber harassment, online sexual harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, sextortion, morphing, deepfakes, doxxing and online threats can cause serious psychological harm. Unlike many traditional offences, cyber victimisation can continue after the original incident because digital content can be copied, shared and accessed repeatedly. This may result in fear, anxiety, humiliation, shame, emotional distress, loss of self- esteem and social isolation. This article examines the psychological victimisation of women through a victimological perspective. It focuses on victim vulnerability, victim-offender relationships, repeat victimisation, victim-blaming, stigma, secondary victimisation and underreporting. It further examines the Indian legal framework, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 and Information Technology Rules. The article identifies gaps relating to psychological support, emerging technologies, digital evidence, content circulation and victim rehabilitation. It proposes a victim-centred approach based on prevention, protection, investigation, justice and psychological recovery.
Keywords: Cybercrime; Psychological Victimisation; Women; Victimology; Cyberstalking; Underreporting.
