Moroccan men using intimate photos to blackmail ex-wives, study

A new study by Rutgers, a Dutch organization specializing in sexual health, has found that some Moroccan men use intimate photos and videos of their ex-wives to blackmail them.

This case is one example of technology-facilitated gender-based violence, according to the study. 

These threats are often made through social media platforms to coerce women into withdrawing alimony, custody rights, or even property claims.

“Sometimes ex-husbands/partners might use intimate pictures or videos for revenge, to get women to give up custody, alimony, or to ask her for money, property, etc. Some ex-partners/fiancés use private information or pictures for defamation because they simply refuse to accept that the girl broke up with them,” said a Moroccan social worker.

The study, titled “Decoding technology-facilitated gender-based violence: a reality check from seven countries,” was conducted in seven countries worldwide: Uganda, South Africa, Lebanon, Jordan, Indonesia, Rwanda, and Morocco. 

The study found that divorced Moroccan women are particularly vulnerable to this type of abuse, with many facing the fear of having their intimate images or videos shared online if they don’t comply with their ex-husbands’ demands.

According to the findings, this form of cyber violence has a significant impact on women’s lives, forcing them to make difficult choices that can have detrimental consequences. 

The fear of having their private moments exposed can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and even physical harm.

“Technology-facilitated gender-based violence is used to prevent women from obtaining their rights. It can lead to psychological, economic, familial, social, and professional harm. Some women might need to quit their jobs and leave their houses or even their cities. TFGBV can also be translated into physical violence. There were also cases of suicide that were recorded. Some girls had to leave school or were forced to drop out.

Others were dismissed from their families,” said a Moroccan NGO worker.

The study also highlights the role of social media in facilitating this type of abuse. Social media platforms have provided perpetrators with a vast audience and easy access to their victims, making it easier for them to carry out their threats and inflict harm.

“Most people who experience TFGBV are women because of the perceived gender norms. The cultural norms and family upbringing contribute to viewing women as easy bait that anyone can harass or defame; women are seen as second-class citizens,” said a Moroccan civil society representative.

The findings of the study reveal the growing global challenge of cyber violence against women. While the issue has gained some recognition recently, much more must be done to address it effectively.

The researchers call for collaboration between individuals, NGOs, civil society organizations, government agencies, and technology companies to combat online abuse.