WHO Webinar Highlights Digital Violence as a Rising Public Health Issue
Geneva, Monday, 1 December 2025.
The WHO’s recent webinar addressed digital violence’s impact on public health, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women, from online threats.
Digital Violence as a Public Health Imperative
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent webinar, ‘UNiTE to end digital violence: why digital safety is a gender and public health imperative in emergencies,’ highlighted the critical intersection of digital violence and public health. This event shed light on the growing prevalence of online harassment, doxxing, and deepfakes, which disproportionately affect women. As a public health threat, digital violence undermines the safety of health care staff and the effectiveness of emergency responses by eroding trust in these systems [1].
Systemic Changes and Innovative Solutions
The discussions during the webinar emphasized the necessity for systemic changes and innovative solutions to enhance digital safety. The event aimed to elevate survivor-centered, rights-based approaches by integrating digital safety measures into health emergency preparedness and response. This initiative is crucial, given that nearly one in three women globally experiences physical or sexual violence, with digital platforms exacerbating these vulnerabilities [1][2].
The Role of Data-Driven Strategies
Data-driven strategies were underscored as vital in addressing digital violence. By leveraging big data and AI, health systems can better predict and mitigate the risks associated with digital violence. These technologies can help identify patterns of abuse, enabling more proactive interventions. Additionally, the use of digital tools can enhance care coordination, ensuring that at-risk populations receive timely and effective support [3].
Economic Implications and Health Equity
Digital violence not only impacts health outcomes but also carries significant economic implications. The disruption caused by such violence can lead to increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity. Addressing these challenges through data-driven approaches and coordinated care can improve health equity, ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly women, have access to safe digital environments. The webinar highlighted successful implementation models that balance technical healthcare management with practical applications, aiming for a more equitable health system [4].