Cybersexism includes all forms of sexist violence committed using digital technologies: social media, messaging apps, forums, online gaming platforms and mobile apps. It refers to behaviour intended to intimidate, humiliate, control or silence a person on the basis of their gender.
What forms can cybersexism take?
Cybersexism can manifest itself in the following ways, amongst others:
- sexist insults or threats
- online harassment
- the sharing of intimate images without consent
- degrading comments about a person's body or appearance
- the repeated sending of unsolicited messages
- digital surveillance or control of a partner
Cybersexism particularly affects girls and women
Gender-based and sexual online violence is constantly on the rise. Today, nearly one in four criminal complaints submitted to the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men concerns sexual or gender-based violence. A growing proportion of this violence is committed in the digital environment. Women and girls remain the main victims of this online gender-based violence.
Cybersexism is not just a 'virtual' problem
Cybersexism extends the inequalities and violence already present in society into the digital space. Behind the screens, the mechanisms remain the same: controlling, intimidating, humiliating or silencing.
The consequences can be significant:
- anxiety and stress
- loss of self-confidence
- isolation
- fear of speaking out online or offline
- repercussions on studies, work and social life
It is important to remember that acts of violence committed online may also be subject to prosecution and criminal penalties.
Victim or witness: how should you respond?
If you are faced with a situation involving online sexism, it is essential to keep evidence:
- screenshots
- messages
- links (URLs) and the profiles concerned
As a witness, you can also play an important role:
- listen to and support the person affected
- report abusive or sexist content to the platforms
- avoid sharing or reposting the content in question
Need help?
Solutions are available, and specialist services can support you through the process.
- External siteInstitute for the equality of women and men: 0800 12 800
- External siteChild Focus: 116 000
- Écoute-Enfants: 103
- Infor Jeunes Bruxelles: 02 514 41 11
- Télé-Accueil: 107 (24h/24, 7j/7)
- Suicide Prevention Centre: 0800 32 123
- Police: 101
Behind every screen, violence can leave very real scars. To mark 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the City of Brussels is dedicating its awareness-raising campaign to online gender-based violence.
Through a series of activities aimed at young people, professionals and the general public, the City aims to inform, raise awareness and encourage everyone to take action against these forms of violence, which are becoming an increasingly prominent feature of our digital daily lives.
This series of 4 training courses, organised by the City of Brussels in collaboration with Interskillar, is aimed at professionals working with young people.
It aims to provide a better understanding of the various forms of cybersexism and cyberbullying, as well as their impact on young people. Participants will learn how to spot warning signs, adopt an appropriate approach when dealing with victims or witnesses, understand the support available, and refer young people to suitable resources.
The training favours a practical approach based on real-life cases, discussions, role-plays and the analysis of online content.
Target audience: professionals working in youth services, education and social services, and anyone who supports young people.
Dates: this is the same training course organised on 4 different dates at Brucity (Rue des Halles 4, 1000 Brussels), namely on Tuesday 17 November and Tuesday 8 December in the morning (9 am to 12:30 pm) and on Wednesday 25 November and Tuesday 15 December in the afternoon (1:30 pm to 5:30 pm).
Registration: External siteFormations Cybersexisme
Monday 23 November 2026 at the City Hall of Brussels (18h):
'Conférence Cultur'elle': Estelle Depris & Marie Peltier
Moderated by Myriam Leroy.
From 25 November to 10 December 2026 at the Bourse Brussels:
