ICT Samachar
ChildSafeNet, in collaboration with the South Africa-based Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), has launched a landmark research report, , 'From Romance to Risks: Online Intimate Partner Violence against Teens and Young People in Nepal.’.
The study, probably the first of its kind in Asia and Pacific, delved into the growing issue of online intimate partner violence (IPV), exploring explore the prevalence, nature, and impact of tech-facilitated IPV in the country, offering critical insights into this pressing issue.
In his opening remarks, Anil Raghuvanshi, Founder and President of ChildSafeNet said, "The internet has become a key communication tool, shaping modern relationships, particularly among teens and young people.” He added, “The unsafe use of the digital technology led to an increase in tech-facilitated IPV, manifested as controlling behaviours, stalking, coercion, and emotional abuse."
Tulasha Khadka, Research Officer at ChildSafeNet presented the key findings of the research, which are as below:
Relationship Status: 40.5% study participants reported being in current or past relationships.
Prevalence of Online IPV: One in four individuals in intimate relationships experienced online IPV.
Adult-Minor Relationships: 11% of participants in relationships reported adult-minor relationships, raising concerns around consent and vulnerabilities.
Geographic Trends: Sunsari district reported the highest prevalence of online IPV at 38%, driven by rigid gender norms.
Age and Vulnerability: While both 16–17 and 18–24 age groups were equally at risk, older participants demonstrated greater ability to recognise and avoid abusive behaviours.
Duration of Relationships: Shorter relationships (less than six months) showed a higher prevalence of IPV.
Continuum of Violence: 46% of those experiencing IPV faced both online and offline abuse, highlighting the interconnected nature of these forms of violence.
LGBTQIA+ Community: The LGBTQIA+ community was particularly vulnerable due to reliance on online dating apps to affirm their identities.
Elizabeth Dartnall, Executive Director at SVRI highlighted the importance of fostering knowledge and collaboration to end sexual violence against teens and young people, on her video message.
She said, “ChildSafeNet’s groundbreaking study, shines a light on this critical issue. By broadening the definition of intimate relationships to include same-sex partnerships, live-in relationships, and cyber-dating, this study addresses gaps in existing research.”
Talking about the emerging risks for teens and young people, Raghuvanshi added, "Nepalese law does not recognise intimate relationships between unmarried couples. Consequently, the government has not implemented specific measures to address online intimate partner violence involving unmarried couples."
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting children and young people both offline and online, the chief guest of the event, Bam Bahadur Baniya, Vice-Chairperson of the National Child Rights Council (NCRC), said, “The NCRC is committed to working with organisations like ChildSafeNet to safeguard children and young people online.” He added, “Addressing the issue of online IPV requires collaborative efforts from the government and civil society organisations.”
The study collected information from 4,501 teens and young people aged 16 to 24 from ten districts across Nepal’s seven provinces. It aimed to uncover the risks, protective practices, and systemic gaps related to IPV facilitated by digital platforms.
The study highlighted systemic gaps, including victim-blaming, insufficient survivor-centred approaches, and inadequate legal frameworks. It also made tailored recommendations to the multi-sectoral duty-bearers and stakeholders, urging them to fulfil their roles in protecting teens and young people from online IPV.
It calls for a holistic approach, recommending education, awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and stronger legal frameworks, along with greater involvement of parents and schools in online safety.
This ground-breaking study lays the foundation for further research on technology-facilitated IPV in South Asia, offering actionable insights for policymakers, service providers, and communities. By identifying risk factors and recommending targeted interventions, it aims to create a safer digital environment for teens and young people.
The research report is publicly accessible on www.childsafenet.org.
