Online Abuse
The Issue
Online abuse—from violent threats and hateful slurs to sexual harassment and doxing—poses a direct and pressing threat to free expression. Writers, journalists, and artists require an online presence to do their work. But they are targeted for their profession and their identity, especially if they identify as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and as members of religious or ethnic minorities. We know that online abuse challenges livelihoods, undermines equity, and stifles free speech. We also know that it can lead to offline violence and put lives at risk.
PEN America is committed to fighting online abuse and making online spaces safer, more equitable, and more free by:
1. equipping those facing abuse with resources and trainings to defend themselves;
2. collaborating with media organizations, universities, and other employers to protect and support staff facing harassment;
3. conducting research and advocacy to hold social media companies accountable for online harms; and
4. working in coalition with partner organizations to fight back.
Online Abuse Defense Training Program
PEN America offers a robust training program to equip writers, journalists, artists, academics, and activists with strategies and resources to protect themselves and one another. While there are no easy answers, open conversations about the impact of online abuse and how to fight back can empower writers and journalists to remain online and continue exercising their free expression rights.
Reports
Shouting into the Void
No Excuse for Abuse
The Power of Peer Support
Digital Safety Snacks
PEN America, the Online News Association, and the International Women’s Media Foundation have teamed up to create Digital Safety Snacks, step-by-step videos to help you defend yourself against online abuse.
Get Updates and Join Us to Fight Back Against Online Abuse
Sign up to join our campaign to #FightOnlineAbuseNOW and to get updates on training, tips, and resources for navigating online harassment.
Online abuse stifles free expression.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Join PEN America and the Coalition Against Online Violence to tell the platforms it’s time to step up and #FightOnlineAbuseNow.