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Original Research
Scoping review on technology-facilitated gender-based violence against women with disabilities and LGBTQI+ persons in low- and middle-income countries
Submitted: 25 July 2025 | Published: 09 December 2025
About the author(s)
Babalwa P. Tyabashe-Phume, Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; and, Department of Social Work, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South AfricaEunice Tunggal, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
Shaffa Hameed, Missing Billion Initiative, Washington, United States
Xanthe Hunt, Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
Karen Soldatić, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
Lieketseng Ned, Division of Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) refers to acts of harm enabled or intensified through digital platforms, negatively affecting women’s rights, safety and well-being. Women with disabilities are at heightened risk because of the intersection of ableism and gender inequality. However, limited evidence exists on how TFGBV manifests and impacts this population, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Objectives: This scoping review aimed to map existing research on TFGBV against women with disabilities in LMICs, identify common patterns and explore intersections with broader structural vulnerabilities.
Method: Using the PRISMA-ScR framework, we searched seven academic databases and grey literature published between 2010 and 2024. Eligible studies focused on women in LMICs and involved TFGBV through consumer digital technologies. Data were charted and deductively analysed using adapted frameworks from prior TFGBV literature.
Results: From 4738 records screened, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most explored how digital tools enabled violence with offline consequences. None focused exclusively on women with disabilities, though some included them. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence impacts were wide-ranging, with LGBTQ+ individuals, rural populations and low-income groups facing intersecting risks.
Conclusion: This review highlights a gap in research on TFGBV among women with disabilities in LMICs. Future studies must centre intersectional, inclusive and survivor-informed approaches.
Contribution: This review adopted an intersectional approach, recognising how disability, gender, poverty and other marginalised identities compound TFGBV risks. It highlights the lack of focused research on TFGBV against women with disabilities in LMICs and the need for inclusive, survivor-informed research and policy responses.
Keywords
Sustainable Development Goal
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