Online Abuse & Digital Safety

Online abuse—from violent threats and hateful slurs to sexual harassment and doxing—poses a direct and pressing threat to free expression. Writers, including journalists and scholars, are targeted for their profession and their identity, especially if they are women, people of color, LGBTQ+, or as members of religious or ethnic minorities. PEN America is committed to supporting all writers so that they can use their voice by: helping those facing abuse and other safety challenges; collaborating with media organizations, publishers, universities and other employers; conducting research and advocacy; and working with partner organizations to fight back.