Dr Lindsay Balfour posing for a professional headshot, looking at camera

Content Advisory: The contents of this article refer to gender-based violence. If you would like to access support without reading further, please follow this link, which includes resources on sexual harassment, assault and violence. 

Most of us, at some point in our lives, have received a text message from an unfamiliar number, or seen ourselves in a photo on someone else’s social media account, or perhaps even received an accidental “airdrop” from a stranger’s phone. Much of the time, this is not malicious and, as a University of Glasgow lecturer and researcher working in the field of Digital Media and Communications, I am fascinated by the ways technology is increasingly becoming a part of how we organise our day, pursue our studies, do our banking or shopping, manage our health, and interact with friends and family members. Sadly, much of my research has also explored how technology is increasingly being weaponised to harm women and girls, and other marginalised genders.

What is TFGBV?

We refer to this phenomenon as Technologically-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence, or TFGBV, and it is on the rise in Scotland, across the UK, and around the world, including on university campuses. Most people, however, do not know how to recognise TFGBV, nor do they know where to access support if they are experiencing it. TFGBV can include more “traditional” forms of violence such as stalking, flashing, harassment, and threats that are now being deployed in online environments. It can also include social media trolling, location tracking, the sending and/or receiving of unsolicited images (i.e. “cyberflashing” or 'revenge pornography'), the non-consensual sharing of personal information ('doxxing') or AI-generated information and images ('deep fakes') created from a person’s likeness. There are many more forms of TFGBV and many of these often manifest as a combination of digital and “real-life” abuse.

Why is TFGBV a problem at Universities?

It is fitting that this week is the start of the UN #16daysofactivism, which raises awareness and activism around the epidemic of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The theme for this year’s campaign is 'UNiTE to End Digital Violence against Women and Girls.' Sadly, while most women and girls will experience TFGBV within their lifetime, and despite the reality that these risks increase for those who are 18-24 years old and likely attending university, there is still very little attention to digital harms in particular. Yet according to UN Women, up to 58% of women and girls globally have experienced violence through digital technologies. Other figures point to much higher occurrences, where up to 78% of 12-18 year olds have reported receiving unwanted sexual images on their phone, and 85% of women worldwide have experienced or witnessed some form of online violence. 

Where can I find help?

There is support available. Refuge UK provides a free 'Digital Breakup Tool' that  provides guidance on how to delete aspects of your digital footprint that could be accessed by an abusive ex-partner. Charities Glitch and Chayn offer targeted resources for those who might be experiencing racial and cultural abuse alongside digital violence. Chayn’s tools are available in up to six languages. The Revenge Porn Helpline can help navigate the complexities of image-based abuse.

The University of Glasgow’s Safeguarding Team provides advice, guidance and support to anyone who has experience GBV in any form. You can use the dedicated reporting tool to let the team know about your circumstances and they will reach out to you directly. Specialist GBV counsellors are available via the University Counselling Service and through the SRC Advice Centre’s Drop in Service. In an emergency, always call 999 right away, even if you are being threatened via text or social media and not face-to-face. 

Details of the Wellbeing Services available to students can be found on the Wellbeing Home page.

How can I stay safe?

  • Practice good digital hygiene - change passwords frequently, enable multi-factor authentication and review your content regularly
  • Reconsider keeping a public profile
  • Manage your location sharing apps appropriately (Whatsapp, MapMyRun, Snapchat) and be wary of external devices that can be tracked such as Airtags and Airpods
  • Disable partner sharing modes in banking and health applications such as menstrual trackers
  • Know how the blocking and reporting tools work on your apps
  • Remember you are not obligated to share your personal contact information with fellow students or university staff
  • Download the Safezone App available to all students and staff at UofG and monitored 24 hours a day by Campus Security.

To find out more about UofG's commitment to ending GBV across our campuses, including support and reporting resources please visit our webpage.

For more information on the 16 Days of Activism, or to get involved, visit the Glasgow Students’ Representative Council (SRC)’s campaign page.

 

First published: 8 December 2025

<< Stories