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@article{185475,
        author = {Varun Rasewat and Dr. Priti Jain},
        title = {Culture, Stigma, and Cyber-Victimisation: Psychological Consequences for Women in Rajasthan},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {5},
        pages = {1711-1715},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=185475},
        abstract = {The internet and social media have transformed the way people connect, communicate, and express themselves. In India, particularly in states like Rajasthan, the rapid proliferation of mobile phones and digital platforms has created new opportunities for education, employment, and social interaction. However, alongside these opportunities, serious risks have emerged. One of the most pressing concerns is cyber-victimisation, which includes online harassment, bullying, stalking, threatening messages, trolling, and the non-consensual sharing of private images or videos. While cyber abuse is a growing issue worldwide, its effects are particularly severe for women in culturally conservative regions such as Rajasthan, where traditional norms and values still strongly influence daily life.
This paper explores how culture and stigma interact with the experiences of women who become victims of cyber abuse in Rajasthan. In many cases, instead of receiving empathy and support, victims face blame, judgment, and social isolation. Family honor, community reputation, and patriarchal attitudes often silence women, making them hesitant to report incidents to the police or even to speak openly within their own families. The stigma surrounding online harassment not only protects the perpetrators but also deepens the suffering of the victims.
The psychological impact of such experiences is profound. Many women report symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and trauma. In severe cases, the continuous harassment combined with societal pressure can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. The lack of awareness about legal rights, weak law enforcement, and limited access to mental health care further worsens the situation. Women in rural areas, where cultural restrictions are stricter and resources scarcer, face even greater challenges in seeking justice or emotional support.
By examining these issues through cultural and psychological lenses, this paper highlights the urgent need to view cyber-victimisation not just as a technological crime but as a social and cultural problem. The findings suggest that any meaningful intervention must address both the psychological needs of women and the cultural stigma that silences them. Awareness campaigns, better enforcement of cybercrime laws, accessible mental health support, and community engagement are necessary steps.
In conclusion, cyber-victimisation in Rajasthan demonstrates how the digital world is deeply connected to cultural realities. Without tackling stigma and changing attitudes, women will continue to suffer in silence. Therefore, solutions must combine legal, psychological, and cultural strategies to ensure that women can navigate the digital world safely and with dignity.},
        keywords = {Cyber-victimisation; Women; Rajasthan; Stigma; Psychological Consequences},
        month = {October},
        }