Gaps in knowledge hinder the development of effective prevention and response programs for technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). There is a lack of reliable, comparable data on its prevalence, forms, impact, and underlying drivers across different global regions and social contexts. Additionally, limited research exists on the connections between online and offline violence, despite strong anecdotal evidence from women’s experiences. Key questions remain unanswered, including who the perpetrators are, how much of this violence is driven by intimate partners versus organized networks, and what interventions effectively deter or change abusive behaviour. Furthermore, little is known about the role and impact of legislation, regulation, and tech industry policies in addressing TFGBV, even as the issue continues to evolve rapidly.
To bridge these gaps, coordinated research efforts are necessary to inform policies and interventions. Establishing clear research priorities can help ensure that diverse voices are included in shaping solutions and that efforts to address TFGBV are evidence-based and globally relevant. In response to this need, the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, the Association for Progressive Communications, UN Women, and the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Abuse and Harassment have collaborated to identify key research priorities. This initiative aims to generate a comprehensive, inclusive, and methodologically sound research agenda that can drive meaningful action to prevent and respond to TFGBV.