In instances of abuse that go beyond violating our Community Guidelines into situations that require escalation and external involvement, there is a robust ecosystem of support - from NGOs to law enforcement.
Reporting an online crime may feel overwhelming, but reporting abuse can give you the chance to bring a bad actor to justice and protect your community. If you know or suspect that someone has been a victim of abuse, reach out to the proper authorities either by phone or in person. Below are some tips that will support the process.
Tips
Document everything
- Save the abuser’s social media handle
- Save the date(s) and time(s) of the incident(s)
- Use screenshots to record incidents of abuse. While your instinct could be to delete and ignore offensive behavior or content, having records of the abuse will be helpful and necessary when raising a situation to the local authorities
Keep yourself safe
If you are being threatened online, stay vigilant in protecting your physical safety as well. Do not give out any of your personal information or any information that can identify you or reveal your location. Ask yourself: are you acquainted with the perpetrator of your online abuse, or is their identity unknown?
Reach out to a trusted adult for support.
Reporting to authorities
If you are in imminent danger, call 911 (or your equivalent local law enforcement number). You can also call a non-emergency number for your local police department or visit the station in person.
To report any online child sexual abuse material (CSAM), please submit a report through the link below, specific to your country: