(Assistant Secretary General Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Speaks During International Women’s Day in New York City. Getty Images.)

According to a new report released by the UN Broadband Commission for Digital Development Working Group on Broadband and Gender, cyber violence is a growing problem for women all over the world as developing nations gain internet access.

The report estimates that approximately 73% of women have experienced some form of cyber harassment or violence and that women are 27 times more likely than men to be victims of cyber violence.

While campaigns have been created over the past few years to bring attention to this issue, the report points out that incidents of cyber violence against women of the Global South receive significantly less publicity.

The UN findings also argues that “cyber touch is recognized as equally as harmful as physical touch.” This suggests that cyber violence is just as harmful to women as assault and other forms of physical abuse.

“Dead is dead,” says Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General of the U.N. and Executive Director of U.N. Women. “Whether you are dead because your partner shot you or beat you up, or you killed yourself because you couldn’t bear cyber-bullying, or you were exposed to many of the sites that lead people to suicide pacts–bottom line, we lose a life.”

The UN report urges local governments, as well content creators, content disseminators, and internet users of all backgrounds to do their part in fighting cyber violence.