On 24 November, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) issued a heartfelt and urgent call as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This year’s theme focuses on one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse , digital violence , and the LWF is urging churches, youth groups, and faith-led organisations across the world to recognise the seriousness of this problem.
Their message is deeply grounded in compassion: while the internet has become a place for connection, education, and opportunity, it has also become a battleground where countless women face harassment, non-consensual image sharing, deepfake manipulation, stalking, and online threats.
The LWF reminded communities that digital abuse often follows women into their real lives, affecting their safety, mental health, and freedom to participate online. By involving faith leaders, they hope to change the conversation in local communities where online abuse is often dismissed as “not real” or “just social media drama.”
The organisation called for stronger national laws, better reporting systems on digital platforms, and a commitment from communities to support survivors instead of silencing them. Their message carries a powerful moral clarity: protecting women from digital harm is not just a legal responsibility but a collective ethical duty.
