Online Abuse & Digital Safety

Online Abuse & Digital Safety

Online abuse stifles free speech.

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.

Does your organization need help dealing with online abuse?

If you are a writer, journalist, or scholar dealing with online harassment, PEN America has tools and resources to help. Check out our Training Program and contact [email protected] for more information.

Resources

Reports

Blogs & News

  • A black and white photo showing a group of people holding and reading books, with their faces partially out of focus or cropped out of the frame.

    As Threats and Harassment of Authors Spill Over Into Bookstore Appearances, Safety Experts Offer Guidance

    Thursday May 29
  • Top Safety Tips for Those Defending the Freedom to Read

    Monday May 19
  • Text graphic with Journalist Safety in blue and Urgent Care Helpline in black. Background features lined paper and a hand holding a pen, suggesting a theme related to writing or journalism.

    Journalist Safety Urgent Care Helpline Responds to Growing Threats

    Monday March 24
  • Four people participating in a virtual meeting. A Journalism Institute banner is visible in one participants background. They are engaged, with some using gestures. Books and office materials are in the background.

    What are My Digital Protections? How to Handle (and Prevent) Online Threats as a Journalist

    Monday January 6
  • Protecting Your Digital Footprint: A Guide for Journalists

    Wednesday August 28
  • Combatting Online Abuse: Practical Tips for Journalists

    Thursday August 1

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