Getting Help with Online Harassment

Cyber bullying has gotten increasingly worse over the years. The best way to combat it is to make sure that you are protected fully. 

This is a remind we are NOT lawyers or a law firm. If you or someone you know is in immediate physical danger, please contact 911 or your local emergency services. Enduring online harassment can be overwhelming, but here are a few steps and resources to help you gain back some control:

1. Document Everything- Take screenshots and or recordings of all abusive messages, posts, and comments. Capture he harasser's profile handles, URLs, and timestamps. Preserve any context or previous interactions that might be relevant. 
2. Report and Block- Most social media platforms have a way to report abusive behavior and enforce their TOS. Utilize built-in reporting and blocking options. Block the individuals immediately to cutt off their access to you and cease all contact. Document anytime they or people they may know reach out, but do NOT engage. If you are facing severe harassment, report the issue to Report Harmful Content, or your local authorities. 
3. Protect Your Personal Information- Harassers may try to resort to hacking or "doxing", the releasing of personal information. Enable 2FA on all accounts. Change your passwords. Review your social media privacy settings so only friends and family can see your personal details, or posts. 
4. Contact Specialist / Counseling- If the harassment escalates to stalking, extortion, sextortion, or threats, report it to the authorities. File a report online with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3. Reach out to the Cyber Civil Right Initiative CCRI at 844-878-2274 More resources.