Women at Risk in the Digital World: A CJS Analysis Based on Evidence from Lahore Universities

Abstract

The increasing integration of digital technology into everyday life has brought both opportunities and vulnerabilities—particularly for women in academic environments. This study explores the growing threat of cybercrime against female university students in Lahore, Pakistan, through the lens of the Criminal Justice System (CJS). Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were regulated with seventeen undergraduate students across selected universities. The data underwent thematic coding, revealing key categories of digital victimization such as deepfakes, cyber harassment, blackmailing, defamation, financial fraud, stalking, and online romance scams—primarily occurring via platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. The findings indicate serious psychological, academic, and social consequences, including anxiety, emotional distress, and disrupted studies. Despite the existence of cybercrime laws in Pakistan, gaps in policy implementation and CJS response remain significant. This research highlights the pressing need for improved legal mechanisms, institutional support, and awareness programs to ensure digital safety for women in university settings.