New Appointment to Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Technology-Facilitated Violence against Women and Girls

Professor Kim Barker, Lincoln Law School, has been appointed as the lead expert to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Combating Technology-Facilitated Violence against Women and Girls (TFVAWG). This significant appointment underscores Kim’s commitment to addressing the pressing issue of gender violence, especially online violence against women in digital spaces, including social media platforms, gaming environments, and eSports. It is a reflection of Professor Barker’s work over the last decade to establish TFVAWG as an area of inquiry.

As a member of this expert committee, and lead expert, Kim has drafted the discussion paper that will form the basis for the Committee’s draft recommendation. The draft recommendation will be presented to the Committee of Ministers in late 2025 for adoption in 2026, and will form the basis of the first Council of Europe soft law & policy on TFVAWG. It will therefore contribute to shaping international policies and best practices aimed at combating the growing challenge of technology-facilitated violence against women and girls across the 45 member states of the Council of Europe. The committee’s work is critical in today’s increasingly digital world, where new forms of violence continue to emerge online, often unchecked by current legal frameworks and responses.

Professor Barker’s appointment not only highlights the importance of research in this area but also emphasises the role of academics in influencing global policy discussions. Through collaborative efforts with global experts, Kim aims to advocate for stronger protections, ensuring digital spaces become safer and more equitable for all users, particularly women and girls. More information is available on the GEC/PC-eVIO website.

Story submitted by Kim Barker
kbarker@lincoln.ac.uk