Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly, Azarel Ernesta, has urged the public to be mindful of digital violence, describing it as a serious threat to girls and women in the country. Her remarks were made during an address to the National Assembly on 25 November 2025, as Seychelles marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Speaker Ernesta acknowledged the benefits that technology has brought, but also noted the harm it can cause. She highlighted the growing use of social media platforms to target women, saying this has consequences for the mental health of victims as well as their colleagues, partners and children. She added that digital abuse can escalate into physical violence. Referring to recent research, she said digital violence affects people from all backgrounds, including women in politics and parliament.
“As the legislative branch of government, the National Assembly has the duty and responsibility to educate young girls and women about threats that are not only physical but also online,” she said. “We have a duty to recognise new challenges and to not only talk about them, but to take significant and real action to discourage such incidents. This is needed to protect society and to encourage the responsible use of technology that the modern world offers us.”
Speaker Ernesta also encouraged members of the Assembly to strengthen their understanding of digital platforms and consider how this knowledge could inform policy and legislative reform.
The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, represented by its vice-chairperson Denise Clarisse, also addressed the Assembly. Mrs Clarisse described violence as an issue that has persisted for too long. She said violence against women and men remains a national concern, and that many people face systemic barriers when seeking justice. She added that statistics in Seychelles remain troubling.
“One in four Seychellois women has experienced sexual violence. Thirty-eight percent of citizens think that violence against women in their community is too frequent. Sixty-three percent of women fear they will be criticised or assaulted if they report abuse.”
Mrs. Clarisse called for institutional action and welcomed the government’s recent campaign to raise awareness about violence against men and women, particularly in schools and prisons. She described it as an important step, but one that should be assessed to ensure it is sustainable and effective. She urged further action aimed at addressing the root causes of violence rather than only responding to its symptoms.