Tabuya says fear and stigma stop victims from seeking justice

Many women and girls facing online harassment stay silent out of fear of shame and judgment, and instead of filing complaints, most just ask for their intimate pictures and videos to be removed, hoping the issue will quietly disappear.

This was highlighted by Member of Parliament Lynda Tabuya at the Safer Internet Day event, where she says that while attending to her own case, many victims confided in her, unsure of how to deal with cyber-bullying, with some even being blackmailed for money.

Tabuya says fear of family reactions, community backlash and the stigma attached to such incidents often force victims to suffer in silence.

She adds that the biggest concern remains, the fear that prevents victims from taking legal steps against perpetrators.

The MP says even when victims do report cases, they rarely follow through with formal complaints.

She says digital platforms can be weaponised to destroy reputations and livelihoods.

Tabuya is calling for a collective responsibility to fight cyber exploitation and ensure that victims are supported, not shamed, when they seek justice.