Thomas Adewumi University, through its Faculty of Law, hosted a community outreach programme themed “End Digital Violence,” drawing significant participation from students and staff across the University community.
The event, which took place at the University Auditorium, was designed to sensitize participants on the growing concerns surrounding digital violence and its far-reaching implications in today’s technology-driven society.
Delivering the first presentation, Dr. Omosola Olabode, Head of the Department of Mathematical and Computing Sciences, examined the technological dimensions of digital violence. He highlighted various forms, including cyberstalking, identity theft, hate speech, online radicalization, cyberbullying, and online harassment. He emphasized the increasing vulnerability of individuals in digital spaces and the need for improved digital literacy and responsible technology use.
The second speaker, Barr. Hope Okedele, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Law, addressed the legal implications of digital violence. She provided insights into existing legal frameworks, particularly the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended), outlining provisions relating to cyberstalking and other offences. She further discussed penalties for violations, as well as issues surrounding identity theft, impersonation, and protections under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015.
In his presentation, the third speaker, Dr. Dele Rasak, Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, explored the psychological effects of digital violence. He provided conceptual clarifications on digital versus physical violence and highlighted key psychological outcomes such as anxiety, depression, trauma, identity disturbance, and erosion of self-esteem. He also stressed the importance of preventive strategies, policy relevance, and educational interventions in addressing the menace.
The programme featured an engaging interactive session, where students shared personal experiences related to digital violence. This was followed by a question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to seek further clarification and deepen their understanding of the issues discussed.
The “End Digital Violence” community outreach marked a significant step in TAU’s commitment to promoting awareness, fostering a safe academic environment, and equipping its community with the knowledge and tools needed to combat digital abuse in all its forms.
