Someone is harassing or abusing me online

Step 1: Look after your immediate safety

• If anyone has threatened violence or you feel physically unsafe, treat it as a safety issue, not just an online one. Call 000 if danger is immediate.
• Tell someone you trust what’s happening. Abuse thrives in silence.
• Consider asking a friend to help you through the next steps — it’s easier with backup.

Step 2: Collect evidence, then limit contact

• Screenshot or screen-record the abusive posts, messages and profiles. Note dates, times and links.
• Don’t engage or retaliate — it usually escalates the abuse.
• Block and mute the accounts involved. Tighten your privacy settings (our 20-minute lockdown guide walks you through it).

Step 3: Report it

• Report the content and accounts to the platform first.
• If the abuse is seriously harmful — menacing, harassing or offensive to the point of serious harm — report it to eSafety’s adult cyber abuse scheme. eSafety can order its removal, and platforms face civil penalties of up to 500 penalty units for ignoring removal notices.
• If the abuse includes threats, stalking or extortion, report to police (131 444) and to ReportCyber.

Step 4: Protect your digital life

• Change passwords and turn on two-factor authentication, starting with email.
• Check whether your home address, workplace, phone number or daily routines are visible anywhere public.
• If you’ve been doxxed (personal details published), report to the platform and eSafety immediately, and consider what the exposed information makes possible — then close those gaps.

Step 5: Get support

Online abuse is linked to anxiety, depression and trauma. Support is free and confidential: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for abuse connected to domestic, family or sexual violence; Lifeline (13 11 14) any time you’re struggling; Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) for ongoing mental-health support.