Online harassment (sometimes also called cyber stalking or online abuse) means using ICT to track and harass someone, causing emotional distress and fear for their personal safety. This might include transmitting threats or false accusations about them through blogs, in a chatrooms, or via mobile phones; sending repeated and unwanted communication – often with sexual undertones; stealing their identity or data; or spying and monitoring their computer and internet use without permission. Sometimes, these threats have escalated into physical spaces. Online harassment can seriously impair women's capacity to participate and use ICT freely, without apprehension or fear.
How can I protect myself against cyber harassment or other forms of violence online, and what can I do if it happens to me?
There are many simple precautions you can take, like securing your personal data, protecting your identity online, and protecting your computer against viruses and spyware. You can find some practical tips and useful downloadable tools in the Be Safe section of the campaign website.
If someone is harassing you on the internet or using other ICT:
- Speak up - tell someone about what is happening, and report it.
- Keep a log of messages, photos, and other evidence to document the harassment.
Check and limit what information is available about you online, via social network sites, chatrooms, your blog, etc., to ensure that whoever is harassing you cannot gain access to it. Do a web search of your own name once in awhile to check what kinds of information about you is available online.
For more information, read our issue paper on violence against women and ICT, or go to More Resources.
