In the age of technology, the tools that were once seen as empowering, especially for women, are now being used to facilitate a new form of intimate partner violence (IPV): digital abuse. While technology can bridge the gender divide and empower women in many areas, it has also given rise to modern challenges where abusers exploit digital platforms to exert control, manipulate, and intimidate their partners.   What is digital abuse and how does it impact relationships? Digita

When I first began this series on intimate partner violence (IPV), I did not originally plan to include its impact on children. However, as the discussions unfolded, it became clear that excluding this would be a glaring omission. Children are not just witnesses in abusive households—they are deeply affected by the violence they experience or observe. Many women stay in abusive relationships for the sake of their children, hoping to protect them, but in reality, they may be

One of my colleagues once called me bold, and another added, “No subject seems to be off limits for you.” And you know what? They are right. I address topics others might shy away from, especially when it comes to intimate partner violence. I see it as a responsibility to speak the uncomfortable truths. The responses I have received—whether through comments, calls, or private messages—reassure me that this conversation is necessary. People are seeking a space to talk about th

Welcome back to our ongoing series exploring the progressive nature of abuse in relationships. In previous posts, we examined various forms of abuse, such as economic and financial violence, emotional manipulation , psychological abuse , and coercive control . These forms of abuse often set the stage for more visible manifestations of intimate partner violence: physical violence. In this post, we shift our focus to the physical aspect of abuse and the devastating impact it

We continue our series, focusing on real-life experiences to highlight various forms of intimate partner violence. In previous posts, we have explored various forms of abuse including financial and economic violence , verbal abuse , emotional manipulation , psychological abuse, deception, dependency, and isolation , and how they shape relationships. This post unveils coercive control, a less visible but pervasive form of abuse that often underpins other types of violence

After exploring verbal , emotional , and psychological manipulation, this post examines the interconnected tactics of deception, dependency, and isolation in abusive relationships. These tactics build upon the financial and economic control discussed in previous posts, highlighting how abusers manipulate and isolate victims to maintain dominance and disempower them.   In many abusive relationships, abusers employ deception, dependency, and isolation as powerful tools to con

How does emotional manipulation gradually strip away your autonomy? In this series on intimate partner violence, we have examined various forms of abuse, including economic manipulation and financial control . We have discussed how verbal abuse often serves as an early warning sign of deeper issues in relationships and how it can gradually lead to emotional manipulation . In this post, we shift our focus to how these abusive behaviours can intensify into psychological contr

In our ongoing series on the progressive nature of abuse in relationships, we have explored various forms of violence, including economic violence and financial manipulation . We have discussed how verbal abuse often serves as the first indicator of deeper relational issues. Today, we examine how verbal abuse, frequently dismissed as mere words, can evolve into emotional manipulation.   When I first set out to write about intimate partner violence (IPV), the sheer volume o

Welcome to the third installment in our series exploring the progressive nature of abuse in relationships. Following our discussions on economic violence and financial manipulation , we now turn our attention to verbal abuse, often the first sign of deeper relational issues. This post aims to deepen your understanding of how seemingly innocuous comments can escalate into significant emotional harm.   In a previous post, we shared a case where Emmanuela's partner subjected h

What is financial exploitation? Financial exploitation is a form of economic abuse that restricts a victim's financial independence and deepens their vulnerability to further abuse. It occurs when one partner misuses or controls the other's financial resources, assets, or income, often under the guise of a loving relationship. This type of abuse can be difficult to identify and may manifest in various ways, such as controlling access to bank accounts, forcing a partner to han

What is economic violence? Economic violence, a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), often remains hidden yet is as damaging as physical abuse. In the introductory post to this series, I shared Stella’s story about her live-in boyfriend, who refused to work and relied entirely on her for financial support while sabotaging her ability to maintain that support. Stella recalled an instance when she came home late, and her boyfriend grabbed and smashed her laptop. On another

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of engaging in an online discussion with young women and men about their start-ups. Noticing that I was significantly older than them, many sought me out individually for advice regarding their relationships. One recurring theme in these conversations was intimate partner violence. This blog post is the introduction to a 12-part series that will use real-life experiences to identify various forms of intimate partner violence. Subsequ

Technology increasingly shapes our world, making the empowerment of women in the tech industry urgently necessary. The theme for this year's International Women's Day, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," highlights the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in technology. Although the industry has seen progress with more women becoming programmers and software developers, the cryptocurrency (crypto) space is still predominantly male, with men constituting approximatel

As we continue celebrating Women’s Month a question that comes to my mind is why does STEM continue being a man’s world? I grew up in a world where I saw my mother taking and making decisions. I saw her travelling the world and rubbing shoulders with many. Reflecting, I recall my mother telling us that although mathematics was her strongest subject, she was compelled by her high school's administration to major in biology, a decision that significantly altered her career path

Women’s leadership is a topic that holds great significance for me. I have previously written an article entitled " Women's Leadership: A Right, Not a Concession. " In that piece, I firmly asserted that women’s leadership "...is not wrong, it is not 'left,' and it most certainly is not a sin. In a world that often erects barriers with signs that read 'NO ENTRY,' we are not seeking alternative routes; we are asserting our right to what should have been ours from the start."  

You may remember our recent, in-depth conversations on this vital issue. We started with Voices Unheard: A Feminist Insight into the Silent Storm of Sexual Harassment , uncovering the hidden struggles many survivors of gender-based violence endure. Next, Gender Inequality in the Spotlight: The Controversy over Consent in Spain's Women's World Cup 2023 compelled us to challenge and dismantle patriarchal norms. Then, Victim-Blaming vs. Survivor-Centric Language: An Essential Co

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