Online abuse stifles free expression, threatens livelihoods, and undermines equity.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Online abuse shouldn’t be a given. Yet every day, users across social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter face rape and death threats, racial slurs, sexual harassment, doxing, and countless other abusive tactics—often in an effort to intimidate, discredit, or silence.
Online abuse restricts free speech, undermines equity and inclusion, threatens lives and livelihoods, and erodes mental and physical health. It disproportionately impacts women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and religious and ethnic minorities. And it places writers, journalists, and other creative and media professionals in an increasingly untenable double bind: face relentless harassment or step back from the very platforms you need to do your job.
We’re SICK OF THIS S#!T. But there are solutions.
For years, PEN America has equipped writers and journalists with strategies and resources to defend themselves and others through our Field Manual, in-person training seminars, and virtual events. Today, we’re asking you to join us to #FightOnlineAbuseNow.
Here’s what we can do together
Change the conversation
Demand better tools
Protect each other
Facebook and Twitter: End the excuses
Online abuse shouldn’t be a given. Yet every day, users of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter face death and rape threats, racial slurs, sexual harassment, doxing, and countless other kinds of abuse.
Join PEN America and the Coalition Against Online Violence to tell the platforms it’s time to step up and #FightOnlineAbuseNow.
Real-time support for targets of online abuse is possible
The online abuse that writers, journalists, and other social media users face—whether a coordinated onslaught of hateful insults or a single violent threat—can be traumatic. In the middle of such severe attacks, it can be difficult, if not impossible, for the targeted user to figure out how to mitigate the abuse and get help. Let's change that.
There’s no excuse for abuse
Online abuse shouldn’t be a given. Yet every day, users of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter face death and rape threats, racial slurs, sexual harassment, doxing, and countless other kinds of abuse intended to intimidate, discredit, and silence them.
Online abuse threatens free speech
No One Should Have To Face Online Abuse Alone
Shielding Users From Online Abuse: A Free Speech-Conscious Approach to Fighting Harassment
Three Ways Social Media Companies Can Disarm Abusive Users
Five Steps Social Media Companies Can Take Now to Fight Online Abuse
Get updates and join us to fight back against online abuse
Online abuse stifles free speech and is making social media a toxic environment. PEN America is leading the charge to #FightOnlineAbuseNow. Sign up now for updates (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Already signed up? Click here and ask your friends to join the fight.
You’re not alone
If you’re facing or witnessing online abuse and need help, check out our resources. And if online abuse has made you hesitate to use your voice or driven you off a platform—and you feel empowered to share your story with us—click the button below.
We won’t publish anything without your consent, nor will we share any of your information or anything that could help identify you.
Our partners
PEN America has partnered on this campaign with the Coalition Against Online Violence, 35+ organizations providing support and advocacy for writers, journalists, artists, activists, and others facing online abuse.
More resources
Facebook, Twitter, and the World’s Most Dangerous Amusement Park
You’re Not Powerless in the Face of Online Harassment
Why You Should Dox Yourself (Sort Of)
Artwork by Hieronymus/Lucy Jones/Melissa Joskow