Digital violence is becoming one of the most worrying forms of abuse in society.
Through messages, social media, and the unauthorized publication of photos or videos, many women and girls are becoming victims of blackmail and psychological pressure.
The coordinator for domestic violence, Arbi Basho, says that only in Pogradec, in 2025, 43 protection orders were issued, and 20 of them are related to digital violence.
He calls for this form of abuse to be officially included in protection orders, as it is often hidden and difficult to prove.
“Digital violence has become a very troubling problem in our society. It is a hidden form of violence and it takes a lot of strength to face and report it. From physical violence a person can escape by leaving the house, whereas digital violence is carried out through messages and electronic platforms and the victim cannot escape. Threats, messages, the publication of videos and photos, etc. For 2025, only in Pogradec, there are 43 protection orders and 20 of them are related to digitally published unauthorized content,” said Arbi Basho, Coordinator for Domestic Violence.
Psychologist Maria Dojce emphasizes that digital violence creates strong emotional pressure, especially on young girls.
Blackmail with photos and videos, degrading comments, and virtual attacks are causing serious psychological consequences and, in some cases, may even lead to fatalities.
“It is violence, and like any form of violence, it creates very strong psychological pressure, especially for girls, as it harms their image and can lead to fatal outcomes. Many girls cannot endure online pressure, which destroys them psychologically. But it also happens to boys. Recently, violence on social networks has become very aggressive; networks are no longer used for the purposes they were created for, but for blackmail and interference in the personal lives of others,” says psychologist Maria Dojce.
Experts call for improvements in the legal framework and greater awareness to protect people in online spaces, as digital violence is becoming increasingly widespread and aggressive.
