Recently, there have been many cases of such attacks involving violent acts such as verbal abuse, "cutting hair, stripping clothes," and filming of clips to post on social media. Consequently, perpetrators have been prosecuted for criminal liability.

On October 31, 2025, police in Long Hung commune (Dong Thap) investigated a case in which a female official attacked her husband’s alleged partner during dinner, slashing the victim’s face with a utility knife and causing injuries.

In another case, in June 2025, the Hanoi People’s Court tried a jealousy-driven assault combined with debt collection. The victim was targeted by a jealous woman who brought a group to “deal with” her. The situation escalated when the distressed victim inflicted self-harm and later died. Those involved were sentenced to between eight and 14 years in prison.

These cases show that uncontrolled jealousy can lead to extreme actions such as assault, property damage, or even threats to life, leaving not only personal tragedies but also broader social concerns.

Online acts can lead to criminal charges

With the rise of the internet and social media, “online jealousy attacks” have become more common. Instead of confronting a romantic rival in person, perpetrators may create fake accounts, spread false information or post insulting content targeting the victim’s dignity and reputation.

Online jealousy attacks refer to using social media and the internet to harass, attack or humiliate others as a way to vent jealousy in romantic relationships. Instead of direct violence, perpetrators use “weapons” such as images, videos or personal information to target others online.

Instead of confronting a romantic rival in person, perpetrators may create fake accounts, spread false information or post insulting content targeting the victim’s dignity and reputation.

Perpetrators often plan coordinated attacks, targeting not only the individual but also their family, disrupting lives, damaging reputations and sparking public outrage.

Lawyer Dang Van Cuong said that posting false, fabricated or defamatory information, or using offensive language to attack someone’s dignity and reputation online for jealousy purposes violates the law, including the Cybersecurity Law. Depending on the severity and consequences, offenders may face administrative penalties or criminal prosecution.

Those engaging in online harassment or spreading false information may be fined between VND10 million and VND20 million.

If the act is deemed an abuse of democratic freedoms infringing upon the lawful rights of others, offenders may face criminal charges under Article 331 of the Penal Code. Depending on the case, they may also be prosecuted for defamation, humiliation or distribution of obscene materials.

T. Nhung