IGF 2023 WS #493 Empowering Victims:A Holistic Approach to Cybercrime Support

Subtheme

Cybersecurity, Cybercrime & Online Safety
Child Online Safety
New Technologies and Risks to Online Security
Online Hate Speech and Rights of Vulnerable People

Organizer 1: Estrela Ricardo, 🔒
Organizer 2: Carolina Soares, Portuguese Association for Victim Support

Speaker 1: Estrela Ricardo, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Carolina Soares, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Valério Mafalda, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 4: Cynthia Silva, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Moderator

Valério Mafalda, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Cynthia Silva, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Carolina Soares, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format

Break-out Group Discussions - 90 Min

Policy Question(s)

A. How can victim support organizations play a more active role in addressing the impact of cybercrime on individuals and communities?
B. What measures can be implemented to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups as victims of cybercrime?
C. How can stakeholders collaborate to enhance the overall resilience and effectiveness of victim support in the face of increasing cybercrime incidents?

What will participants gain from attending this session? The workshop will provide a platform for stakeholders from victim support organizations, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and academia to exchange best practices, innovative strategies, and technological solutions for victim empowerment. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in group discussions to develop a comprehensive roadmap for improving victim support in the realm of cybercrime.
We aim to share some highlights of the break-out room discussions at the end of the workshop and afterwards share a recommendation paper that the participants can use to raise awareness for cybercrime victims’ needs.
By engaging different stakeholders during this workshop we also aim to create a network for future collaboration.

Description:

We propose an interactive workshop titled "Empowering Victims: A Holistic Approach to Cybercrime Support" to address the pressing issue of victim support in the context of cybercrime. With our extensive expertise as a leading victim support organization, we aim to facilitate a meaningful discussion and provide actionable solutions to enhance the support ecosystem for those affected by cybercrimes.
The psychological, emotional, and financial toll on victims cannot be overstated. As a victim support organization committed to empowering individuals, we recognize the urgent need for comprehensive assistance, both during and after cybercrime incidents.
During this workshop, we will engage participants in exploring the multifaceted challenges faced by victims, ranging from financial fraud and identity theft to online harassment and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. We will highlight our expertise in victim support by sharing real-life case studies, demonstrating the diverse ways in which our organization has helped individuals recover, rebuild, and regain control of their lives. We will also share some obstacles that both cybercrime victims and victim support officers face.
Furthermore, we will delve into the intersection of cybercrime and broader societal issues, such as gender-based violence and marginalization. By emphasizing the unique experiences of marginalized groups as cybercrime victims, we will shed light on the need for tailored support services and policies to address their specific vulnerabilities.

By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, we aim to develop practical, evidence-based recommendations to create a more resilient support ecosystem that can effectively mitigate the impact of cybercrimes on individuals and communities. Together, we can empower victims and build a safer digital future for all.

Expected Outcomes

1. Enhanced understanding of the challenges faced by cybercrime victims: The workshop will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges experienced by cybercrime victims, including financial, emotional, and psychological impacts.

2. Identification of best practices and innovative solutions: The workshop will serve as a platform for stakeholders to share their expertise, experiences, and innovative strategies in victim support. Participants will have the opportunity to identify and highlight best practices that have proven effective in empowering cybercrime victims. These insights will inform the development of comprehensive and evidence-based approaches to victim support.

3. Development of a roadmap for improving victim support: The workshop aims to generate concrete recommendations and action plans to enhance the support ecosystem for cybercrime victims. This roadmap will serve as a practical guide for implementing effective victim support measures and policies.

Hybrid Format: Interactive Q&A Sessions: Throughout the workshop, we will allocate dedicated time for Q&A sessions where both online and onsite participants can ask questions, share insights, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This will foster an inclusive environment.

Collaborative Tools and Platforms: Complementary online tools/platforms, such as collaborative document editing or virtual whiteboards, will be utilized to enhance interaction and enable participants, both online and onsite, to actively contribute and collaborate in real time. These tools will facilitate group exercises and the co-creation of outputs.

Post-Event Engagement: Following the workshop, we will leverage online platforms, such as dedicated discussion forums, to continue the conversation and enable ongoing interaction and knowledge sharing among participants. This will ensure that the insights and connections made during the session can be further developed and sustained beyond the event itself