As technology propels us even further into the stuff Black Mirror's nightmares are made of, the issues we face in the offline world seem inevitably destined to be replicated in the new frontier. Jordan Belamire had an unwelcome taste of this recently when she was subjected to what she calls a "virtual reality groping". The writer was being introduced to the VR game QuiVr by her brother-in-law when the incident occurred – and though it might initially be hard to wrap one's head around the concept of how such an assault can occur in a virtual world, it isn't that hard to understand if you're willing to open your mind a little.

If we don't act to stop attacks on women in VR, it will become yet another exclusionary, male-dominated space. Credit:Stocksy

In brief: Belamire entered the VR landscape of QuiVr and quickly marvelled at the awe-inspiring nature of the game. When she stared over the virtual cliffs at what appeared to be a very real 100-foot drop, her fear of heights was triggered. The feeling was so intense she was afraid to follow her brother-in-law's direction to walk off the ledge, despite her rational mind understanding she was standing in a living room and could not fall to her death.

Still, the game was a fun and unique experience for Belamire. That is, until she entered the multiplayer-verse and encountered a real-life player going by the name BigBro442. Belamire – who shared the same genderless avatar as her co-players but whose voice made her identifiably female – recalls the incident. "In between a wave of zombies and demons to shoot down, I was hanging out next to BigBro442, waiting for our next attack. Suddenly, BigBro442's disembodied helmet faced me dead-on. His floating hand approached my body and he started to virtually rub my chest."