ONLINE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN UZBEKISTAN: GAPS IN LEGISLATION AND THE PATH FORWARD

This article examines the legal and institutional gaps in addressing online gender-based violence in Uzbekistan and highlights the urgent need for legislative and policy reforms. Despite the increasing prevalence of cyberstalking, online harassment, doxxing and image-based abuse, Uzbekistan's legal framework lacks explicit definitions and enforcement mechanisms for such offenses. The article analyzes the challenges victims face in accessing justice, compares national legislation with international standards, and proposes concrete measures to strengthen protections. These include legal reforms, improved law enforcement training, victim support mechanisms, and digital platform regulation. Strengthening the legal and institutional response will help ensure safer online spaces and protect women from digital violence.