Summary of “Research: Women’s Safety Around the World”, an important article about women’s safety

Online harassment and abuse has become an increasingly serious problem in recent years, particularly for women. A recent study conducted by Safety Detectives aimed to investigate the experiences of women in relation to online safety and harassment, and to rank countries based on their safety for women. The study surveyed over 3,500 women from around the world, and the results are both surprising and alarming.

Read more here: Research: Women's Safety Around the World, by Melissa Haun

One of the most significant findings of the study is that a vast majority of women have experienced some form of online harassment or abuse. A staggering 92% of respondents reported that they had received unwanted comments, messages, or images, while 52% had experienced physical threats or stalking. Furthermore, 34% had been the victim of non-consensual sharing of private images, also known as “revenge porn.”

Perhaps even more concerning is the impact that online harassment can have on women's mental health. The study found that the effects of online harassment can be severe and long-lasting, including anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The study also ranked countries based on their safety for women, using a range of factors including rates of violence against women, legal protections for women, and access to healthcare and education. The results were surprising, with some countries that are often considered to be relatively safe for women ranking poorly, while some countries that are often seen as dangerous for women ranking higher.

Topping the list of the safest countries for women was Iceland, followed by Spain, Finland, Australia, and Malta. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom all ranked in the top 10 as well. However, some countries that are often seen as safe for women, such as Sweden and Norway, ranked relatively low on the list, with Sweden ranking 25th and Norway ranking 26th.

On the other end of the spectrum, the most dangerous countries for women included Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan. These countries are all facing ongoing conflicts and violence, and women in these countries face particularly high levels of danger and risk. However, there were some surprising entries on the list as well, such as Brazil, which ranked 18th, and Mexico, which ranked 21st.

One of the key takeaways from the study is the importance of legal protections for women. Countries with strong legal protections for women tended to rank higher on the list of safe countries, while those with weaker protections ranked lower. This highlights the need for governments around the world to prioritize women's rights and to take action to combat violence against women.

The study also highlighted the importance of education and awareness-raising around online harassment and abuse. Many women are still unaware of their rights and options when it comes to reporting online harassment, and this lack of awareness can leave them feeling powerless and vulnerable. By providing women with education and resources, we can help them to better protect themselves and to stand up against harassment and abuse.

Overall, the study conducted by Safety Detectives is an important reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by women around the world in relation to online harassment and abuse. While some countries are making progress in addressing these issues, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are safe both online and offline. By prioritizing women's rights and taking action to combat violence against women, we can work towards a safer and more equal world for all.

Read more at https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/womens-safety-research/