On this page, we talk about how to be safe online.
About online violence or abuse
Online spaces can:
- be fun
- help us connect with each other.
But sometimes people can experience when they are online.
Violence or abuse is when someone:
- hurts you
- scares you
- controls you.
Online violence or abuse can happen on different devices.
For example, a:
- computer
- mobile phone
- tablet.
People can experience online violence or abuse from someone they know, like a boyfriend or girlfriend.
But people can also experience it from people they do not know.
Everyone is at risk of online violence or abuse.
But some people have a higher risk.
This includes:
- women
- young people
- people with disability.
You can visit the eSafety Commission website to find out more.
Online violence or abuse is against the law.
Different types of online violence or abuse
Online violence or abuse can be when someone:
- calls you mean names
- threatens you
- sends you photos that you do not want, like a photo of their private parts.
Online violence or abuse can include online
Stalking is when someone follows or watches you over a period of time.
Online violence or abuse can also include
Discrimination is when people or services treat you unfairly because of a part of who you are.
Online violence or abuse can be when someone shares:
- a sexual photo of you without you wanting them to
- private information about you.
Online violence or abuse can also be when someone tricks you to:
- give them your passwords
- give them money
- believe they are someone else.
Online violence or abuse can be when someone stops you from connecting with your family and friends online.
How to stay safe online
There are different ways you can stay safe online.
You should keep your personal information private.
For example, your:
- home address
- phone number
- passwords.
You should change your settings for online spaces.
This will give you more control over who can:
- contact you
- see your information
- share photos of you.
You should be careful what you choose to share with people.
They could decide to post this online without you wanting them to.
For example, do not share sexual photos with someone you do not trust.
You should not take part in arguments online with people.
This includes with people you know.
You should be careful who you trust online.
Some people can seem very nice online.
But they might pretend to be nice to get something from you, like your money.
If you notice someone treating someone else badly online, you should say something if it is safe.
Or you can report it to that online space, like Facebook.
If you have experienced online violence or abuse, talk to someone you trust.
They might be able to help you.
You can also find an online safety checklist to help you stay safe online on the eSafety Commission website.
It is never your fault if you have experienced the bad behaviour we talk about on this page.
We are sorry that this has happened to you.
The first thing you should do is make sure you are safe.
If you or someone you know is in danger, call Triple Zero.
000
We have a section on this website about how to call Triple Zero.
You can find out more on our page about a guide to call Triple Zero.
You can contact 1800RESPECT for support.
You can call them.
1800 737 732
You can talk to someone online.
You can send them a text message.
0458 737 732
If you send them a text message, you can just send the word ‘HELLO’.
You can leave your partner if this is where you are experiencing the bad behaviour.
For example, your boyfriend or girlfriend.
You can find out more on our page about how to be safe when you leave a relationship.
If you are not ready to leave your partner, you can still make a plan about how to be safe.
You can find out more on our page about when you are not ready to leave a relationship.
You can get support from your friends and family.
It is a good idea to tell them:
- what they can do to help you
- to focus on what you need to feel safe.
You can keep proof of the person’s bad behaviour if it safe for you to do so.
You can give this proof to the police if you decide to contact them.
You can start to manage your own money so you can leave if or when you want to.
You can find out more on our page about managing your own money.
You can share what is happening to a government organisation.
For example, the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC).
AHRC is an organisation that makes sure people treat others:
- fairly
- equally.
You can call a helpline.
Helplines are phone numbers that will connect you to people who:
- care about what you are going through
- can give you good advice.
We have a list of helplines on our website.
You can find out more on our page about helplines.
You can work with someone to explore how you think and feel.
This can help you:
- reach goals
- feel safe
- learn skills
- understand what happened to you.
You can find out more on our page about counselling.
You can learn more about the rules about how people must treat you:
- fairly
- equally.
You can find out more on our page about your rights.
You can think about what you can do to care for yourself.
You can find out more on our page about caring for yourself.
You might have experienced the bad behaviour from someone who did a service for you.
For example, from:
- a health professional
- someone who cleaned your house.
You can talk to the person who organises your services if this has happened to you.
