Suicides due to technology-facilitated sexual abuse on the rise in India
The number of suicides due to technology-facilitated sexual abuse (TFSA) in India has increased significantly in 2023.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were 2,000 cases of TFSA-related suicides reported in the country in the first six months of the year, up from just 500 cases in the same period in 2022.
TFSA is a form of online sexual abuse that can take many forms, including cyberstalking, online grooming, and revenge porn.
Victims of TFSA are often young women and girls, who are targeted by perpetrators for their gender and vulnerability.
The increase in suicides due to TFSA is a serious concern. It is a reflection of the growing problem of online sexual abuse in India, and the need for more to be done to protect victims.
There are a number of measures that can be taken to mitigate the problem of TFSA-related suicides.
These include:
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Raising awareness of TFSA and its dangers
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Providing support and counseling to victims of TFSA
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Strengthening laws against online sexual abuse
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Investing in education and training for law enforcement officials on TFSA
The government of India has taken some steps to address the problem of TFSA. In 2021, the government passed the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, which criminalizes revenge porn.
The government has also launched a number of awareness campaigns about TFSA.
However, more needs to be done to protect victims of TFSA and to prevent suicides. The government, along with civil society organizations, needs to work together to raise awareness of TFSA and its dangers and to provide support and counseling to victims. The government also needs to strengthen laws against online sexual abuse and invest in education and training for law enforcement officials on TFSA.
If you or someone you know is a victim of TFSA, please reach out for help.
There are a number of organizations that can provide support, including:
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The National Commission for Women
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The Cyber Peace Foundation
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The Internet Watch Foundation
You are not alone.
