On November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the Italian nonprofit Una Nessuna Centomila is unveiling a groundbreaking awareness campaign that harnesses artificial intelligence to expose the harsh reality of online abuse. Titled “Virtual Violence Is Real,” this initiative employs AI-generated portraits of eight non-existent women, each paired with a blunt, misogynistic comment frequently encountered on social media. By combining cutting-edge technology with authentic voices, the foundation forces us to confront how virtual harassment inflicts real emotional and physical harm.
How the AI-Powered Campaign Works
The heart of the campaign lies in eight striking images crafted via AI. None of the models actually exist—each portrait is a digital creation designed to look like a real woman. Alongside each image, a single phrase appears in Italian, reflecting typical forms of victim-blaming or harassment:
- “This woman was asking for it.”
- “With that makeup, what was she expecting?”
- “She dresses half-naked and then complains.”
- “First she provokes, then plays the victim.”
- “Her parents let her go out like that?”
- “At 15, she already looks 20.”
- “She enjoys showing off.”
- “She’s just fishing for compliments.”
These short but devastating comments illustrate common justifications for online abuse, highlighting how seemingly innocent words can perpetuate a culture of violence against women.
From Virtual Scenes to Real Voices
To amplify the impact, Una Nessuna Centomila collaborated with six celebrated Italian actresses—Carolina Crescentini, Sofia Iacuitto, Nicole Rossi, Valentina Romani, BigMama, and Elena Sofia Ricci—to record a powerful video. Each performer reads one of the eight comments in a calm, matter-of-fact tone before revealing the AI-generated face of the “victim.” The unsettling contrast between a composed voice and the harsh words drives home the message: virtual aggression is far from harmless.
Challenging the Minimization of Verbal Abuse
Verbal violence and online harassment often escape the scrutiny given to physical violence. Too many people dismiss hurtful comments as “just words,” ignoring the profound psychological toll they inflict. Research shows that repeated exposure to threats, insults, and demeaning language can lead to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, self-harm. By labeling these insults as “virtual,” society risks trivializing their consequences.
The campaign’s slogan—“This woman does not exist, but the violence she suffers is real”—encourages viewers to see past digital screens and recognize the human cost behind each cruel message. It asks us to question: if we wouldn’t say these words face-to-face, why is it acceptable to hurl them at someone online?
Why Artificial Intelligence?
AI has earned a reputation for deepfakes and privacy threats, but here it serves a positive purpose. By generating lifelike portraits free from any real identity, the campaign avoids retraumatizing actual survivors while demonstrating how easy it is for anyone to become a target. The AI approach also underscores the scale of the problem: with simple tools, perpetrators can launch attacks against countless victims without accountability.
Additionally, the use of AI provokes reflection on the dual nature of technology. The same algorithms that enable immersive gaming or automated translation can also be weaponized to spread hate. “Virtual Violence Is Real” turns the tables, using artificial intelligence as an ally in the fight against misogyny.
Call to Action and Resources
Una Nessuna Centomila urges viewers to share the campaign widely on social platforms and to use the hashtag #LaViolenzaVirtualeÈReale. The foundation also provides guidance on how to react when witnessing or experiencing online harassment:
- Document abuses: Take screenshots and keep records to support reporting efforts.
- Report and block: Use social media tools to flag hateful content and block offenders.
- Support survivors: Offer empathy, solidarity, and direct resources like helplines or counseling services.
- Promote policy change: Advocate for stronger platform moderation and legal protections against online violence.
By equipping individuals with practical steps, the campaign extends beyond awareness into tangible action, fostering a safer digital environment for all women.
Looking Ahead: Tech and Society Hand in Hand
“Virtual Violence Is Real” marks a milestone in using innovative technology for social justice. As AI continues to reshape our world, initiatives like this demonstrate that progress need not come at the expense of empathy. On November 25th, and every day thereafter, let us remember that words have power—and it’s up to us to ensure they uplift rather than destroy.