Practical guidance and accessing peer support for facing stigma, abuse and harassment online…
Facing online harassment or stigma because of someone you’re supporting—like a loved one who has been arrested or jailed—can feel overwhelming. It’s important to know there are steps you can take to protect yourself and maintain your privacy and wellbeing. Here’s a quick checklist of practical actions to help you stay safe and supported online ❤️❤️❤️
1. Strengthen your privacy settings
- Make your social media accounts private.
- Limit who can see your posts and personal information.
- Review and remove location tags and sensitive posts.
2. Remove or limit personal details online
- Delete old posts, comments, or photos that reveal too much.
- Avoid sharing identifying information (like your address or phone number).
3. Use different names or nicknames
- Consider using a different name for online profiles or forums to protect your real identity.
- Use a separate email address for sensitive communications.
4. Be cautious about who you connect with
- Don’t accept friend requests or messages from strangers.
- Think twice before sharing personal updates with anyone you don’t know.
- Use trusted peer support groups that are appropriately and effectively moderated.
5. Report abuse and block harassers
- Block or report anyone who sends you hate or threatening messages.
- Save screenshots of the harassment as evidence.
6. Know your rights
- Online harassment, defamation, or threats may be crimes under UK law.
- If you feel threatened, ALWAYS report it to the police and keep evidence.
7. Monitor what’s posted about you
- Set up Google alerts for your name to track what’s being shared.
- Use privacy check-up tools (like those offered by Facebook, Instagram, or Google).
8. Take care of your mental health
- Seek support from trusted people or professional services.
- Join safe online communities (like Unseen Victims) for understanding and help.
9. Get legal advice if needed
- For persistent online abuse, defamation, or privacy breaches, consult a solicitor or Citizens Advice.
10. Trust your instincts
- If something feels unsafe or intrusive, step back and reassess how much you share
Use the links on our website to report harassment, threats or abuse – Useful Links – Unseen Victims
Use the “caring for you” section on our website – Caring For You – Unseen Victims
Access our safe Facebook group – Unseen Victims | Facebook