“Hey Friend”: Standing with Survivors of Online Abuse​

Digital spaces are essential for communication, self-expression, and connection, but they can also be unsafe, especially for women and gender-diverse people. Harassment, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images are some examples of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) that harm victims’ safety, dignity, and mental health.

The Take Back the Tech! campaign, active worldwide, seeks to reclaim digital technologies as spaces that empower rather than endanger women. One of its key resources, “Hey Friend,” focuses on the simple but powerful act of supporting someone who experiences online abuse. It reminds us that survivors should never face digital violence alone.

How to Be a Supportive Friend

“Hey Friend” encourages responses rooted in empathy and solidarity. The guidance highlights five key ways to support survivors:

1. Listen without judgment – Give them space to share their story without blaming language or intrusive questions.
2. Believe and validate – Acknowledge their experience and express support; many survivors fear being doubted.
3. Respect their choices – Support survivors’ decisions, whether they want to report the abuse or focus on personal safety.
4. Offer practical help – Help with documenting evidence, reporting options, or finding digital security resources.
5. Maintain confidentiality – Protect their privacy; sharing without consent can worsen harm.

FMA TFGBV Helpline

If you or someone you know experiences online abuse or other forms of TFGBV, the Foundation for Media Alternatives (FMA) TFGBV Helpline (tfgbv.helpline@proton.me) is available for guidance, support, and referral. Survivors can reach out for confidential assistance and learn more about their options.

Why It Matters

Every supportive action helps shift digital culture toward accountability and safety. While laws and platform policies are vital, communities and individuals also play a crucial role in combating TF-VAWG. Reaching out with a simple message like “Hey friend, I’m here for you” can be a lifeline, reminding survivors they are not alone and their rights are respected.

Ending online violence requires collective responsibility. By amplifying survivor voices, challenging victim-blaming, and creating safer spaces online, we can ensure that technology empowers rather than harms. Initiatives like Take Back the Tech! and the FMA TFGBV Helpline show that care, solidarity, and advocacy are powerful tools in the fight against digital gender-based violence.

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