Data activism: from online to offline social practices against gender-based violence in urban spaces

Recently, data activism (Milan, Gutiérrez 2015) has come to represent a valuable means of defense against gender-based violence (GBV). Compared to similar activities originated and spread in online platforms (Fotopoulou 2016), data activism, on the one hand, overcomes some of the limitations of digital spaces, such as algorithmic logics (Hewa 2021) and the re- proposition of traditional forms of power (Fileborn, Trott 2021) and, on the other hand, seems to be able to effectively bring online actions into dialogue with those offline. Indeed, data activism, as a set of socio-technical practices of grassroots activism and civic engagement and, specifically, proactive data activism (Gutiérrez 2018) have positioned themself as forerunners of an emerging "digital humanitarianism" in which the use of data infrastructure makes relief operations possible (Meier 2015). Through the use of crowdmapping to guide actions on the ground, proactive data activism has played a significant role in re-articulating notions of democracy and participation (Baack 2015) and strengthening the power of communities to control physical spaces. In light of this, our research aims to investigate data activism projects in relation to GBV phenomena. On the basis of three key parameters – ongoing platform at the time of the research, high levels of visibility and participation, and synergy between online and offline practices – two case studies were identified: Safecity (Adams et al. 2021) and Harassmap (Cochrane et al. 2019). They have promoted a set of both online and offline activities, from participatory design with victims in online communities, to the creation of 'maps of violence', then translated into support and awareness-raising actions on the territory, through the involvement of citizens and volunteers. The ongoing section of the research focuses on the analysis of Italy's current standing in the field. To date, no data activism projects have been detected, despite the widespread nature of gender-based violence in the country. On this basis, the aim is to investigate the reasons behind the current lack of such initiatives. To this end, the involvement of anti-violence organizations based in Rome and/or privileged witnesses, through interviews or focus groups, is being considered.