Digital Vulnerabilities and Legal Awareness: A Study of Cybercrime Exposure and Prevention Among Women in the Twin Cities of Odisha

Digitalisation has emerged as a double-edged reality, offering opportunities while simultaneously generating new forms of risk, as reflected in rising trends of cybercrime against women in Odisha, India. This article examines the vulnerability of women to cybercrime and their awareness of cyber law in the tier-II cities of the state, namely Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. A mixed-methods design is used, based on 100 surveys and twenty in-depth interviews with respondents to capture patterns and lived experiences. Based on network governance theory and symbolic interactionism, this article examines how socio-cultural norms and institutional structures influence women’s experiences in digital spaces. The research uncovers poor institutional coordination, enforcement and digital unawareness that results in underreporting. The article recommends more robust digital governance, swift institutional reaction and growing awareness, so that women can safely engage in digital spaces.