Is Internet a neutral space?

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Types of gender violence facilitated by technology

Types of perpetrators and their motivations

Digital Rights

Effects of online violence

Challenges in addressing TFGBV

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Text messaged offered as part of the reports on Belén's mobile phone.


**This case has the power to shape our understanding of gender based online violence and bring to light the lack of access to justice in Paraguay.**

Belén Whittingslow reported Cristian Kriskovich, her professor the Catholic University of Asunción, for sexual harassment through digital means. 

Cristian Kriskovich is not only representative of the University before the Council of the Judiciary (central authority in the designation and appointment of judges and prosecutors [1]), but also serves in the Jury for the Prosecution of Magistrates (authority with power to sanction magistrates and prosecutors [2]).

Belén's case was dismissed and she was forced, under the circumstances, to seek asylum in Uruguay after being prosecuted under false allegations.

*[1] Article 264 of the National Constitution of Paraguay.*

*[2] Article 11 of Law No. 3759/2009.*
    

Belén Whittingslow case

Visualization of court proceedings

This section presents the judicial procedures of the three files that have been mentioned in the previous section. By clicking you can access the documents presented by the defense of Belén as well as the sentences.

File a complaint

Invetigative Report override

Denial of complaint

Imputation of Belén

Confirm dismissal

Accusation against Belén

Demand compensation

Mobile phone report exclusion

Dismisses nullity

Capture warrant against Belén

Case is presented to the IACHR

The IACHR system registers the case in the registration section and notifies the Paraguayan State to present its observations. At this stage, the Commission will analyze whether or not the case is admissible in Court

Chaining action of Belen's Mother against the Judiciary

Unconstitutionality action admissibility by the Supreme Court

Request for transfer and notification of the admissibility of the action of unconstitutionality to the Prosecutor General's Office

The Prosecutor General's Office requests an interruption of the deadline to reply to the unconstitutionality action

Unconstitutional declaration

Visit from Vatican envoy

Censorship of publication on sexist violence on the internet 

Court revokes sentence that censured TEDIC

Find out more about the cases of gender violence facilitated by technology that TEDIC has accompanied.

Do you want to know more about gender violence facilitated by technology?

La Violencia Digital es Real

Enterate más sobre los casos de violencia de género facilitada por la tecnología que TEDIC ha acompañado.

¿Querés saber más sobre la violencia de género facilitada por la tecnología?

Digital Violence is Real

Discover and download all our research on technology-facilitated gender violence conducted by TEDIC.

RESEARCH

Gender violence on the Internet in Paraguay

United we are stronger to resist on the Internet!

WHAT IS GENDER VIOLENCE?


To effectively combat online violence, a holistic approach is necessary. This involves addressing the psychosocial well-being of victims, enhancing reporting capabilities through awareness of national and international laws, and leveraging available response mechanisms.

Taking control of our digital information and processes is a subversive way to confront the systematic violence directed at women and marginalized groups.
  

The media, internet platforms, authorities, and communities in general often trivialize and normalize digital violence. This attitude contributes to erasing the visibility of the issue, legitimizing it, and fostering an environment of impunity that dismisses victims' experiences and drives them into silence.

Normalization of violence

One of the biggest challenges is the low representation of women in the technology sector, which leads to the incorporation  of inequalities and systematic biases in ICTs. Moreover, there is a lack of inclusive design, proper content moderation, and effective mechanisms for detecting abuse.

Low representation of women in ICTs

Although in recent years new laws have been implemented and more cases are being resolved, the authorities' response remains insufficient, allowing this form of violence to go largely unpunished.

Impunity

Women who are victims of cyber-violence are often blamed for the acts of violence they suffer and rarely obtain recognition, support or access to justice.

Victim blaming

Among other challenges, there is a noticeable absence of effective reporting mechanisms, insufficient technical and financial resources to handle cases, significant shortcomings in the training and awareness of justice personnel, and a lack of reparative mechanisms for victims that extend beyond the criminal sanctions imposed on the aggressors.

Challenges in addressing TFGBV

Strategic litigation