Digital Violence Surges as Namibia Confronts Over 4,000 GBV Cases in 10-Month Period
WINDHOEK – Namibia is grappling with a dual crisis of gender-based violence, with traditional physical abuse now compounded by a rapid rise in digital harassment, according to alarming new statistics from the country’s gender ministry.
Stark Numbers Reveal Persistent Epidemic
Gender Equality and Child Welfare Minister Emma Kantema disclosed that 4,405 GBV cases were officially recorded between April 2024 and February 2025. The figures, announced during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign in Keetmanshoop, likely represent only a fraction of the actual violence occurring nationwide.
“The under-reporting of GBV cases remains a significant problem,” Kantema acknowledged, calling for stronger community solidarity in reporting both physical and digital abuse.
The New Frontier: Digital Violence
This year’s campaign theme, ‘Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,’ reflects a growing recognition that abuse has migrated online. Minister Kantema emphasized that digital harassment—including cyberbullying, exploitation, and non-consensual sharing of personal information—is “increasing at an alarming rate.”
The scope of the problem is particularly concerning for young people. According to UNICEF’s ‘Disrupting Harm’ report cited by Kantema, approximately 9% of internet-using children aged 12 to 17 in Namibia have experienced online sexual exploitation.
Legal System Playing Catch-Up
In response to the evolving nature of abuse, the Namibian government is considering significant legal reforms. Officials revealed that both the Combating of Domestic Violence Act and the Combating of Rape Act may be strengthened to include specific provisions addressing cyberbullying and other forms of online violence.
This legislative adaptation acknowledges that existing laws, designed for physical spaces, are increasingly inadequate for protecting victims in digital environments.
Beyond the 16-Day Campaign
While the global 16 Days of Activism campaign (observed annually from November 25 to December 10) provides a focused period of awareness, Minister Kantema stressed that the fight against GBV must continue year-round.
“The fight against GBV must continue beyond the 16-day campaign period,” she urged, calling on Namibians to report abuse, challenge harmful social norms, and commit to creating safe homes and digital spaces.
The ministry advises the public to report GBV cases through toll-free numbers: 106/116 and 10111.