I may be experiencing tech-based abuse
If you think you may be experiencing tech-based abuse, it’s important to make an online safety plan and seek support. This page provides information and guidance to help you. It’s best to work through these resources with a domestic, family and sexual violence support worker or service.
Tech-based abuse, sometimes called ‘technology-facilitated abuse’, includes harassment, threats, stalking, and controlling behaviour that uses digital technology and online platforms.
Experiencing tech-based abuse as part of domestic, family and sexual violence can be different for each person. You can learn more on our page about tech-based abuse.
It’s a good idea to review your online safety regularly – especially if your situation changes.
On this page:
For help, visit 1800RESPECT’s service directory to find the right service for you.
The service directory has information about local, state and territory domestic and family violence support.
What is safest for you will depend on your situation. For example, whether you’re still in the relationship, whether you’re living with the abusive person, or whether children are involved may raise specific safety issues.
You should always consider what steps are right, relevant and safe for you to take, with the help of a support service.
When creating a safety plan or accessing support, use a safe device. A safe device allows you to make calls, send messages and go online without the abusive person knowing. This might be your phone or another personal device (if the abuser can’t access it), a trusted person’s device, or a computer at your work or a public library. A safe device can also be used to collect evidence safely and report abuse to the police or get legal help. Learn more about safe devices.
Online safety planning can help you stay safe. It also helps you to stay safely connected with family and friends. Consider what is safe to do in your situation if you are making changes. The best way to make an online safety plan is with the help of a support service.
Videos
Learn how to report abuse on different online services and platforms.
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To report a snap or story, press and hold the snap, then release. To open the menu, tap report snap. You'll be asked about the snap or story you are reporting. Select the answers that best fit your situation. To report a Snapchat account within the chat screen, press and hold on the Snapchatter name to bring up their profile. Tap manage friendship, and tap report. You'll be asked about the account you are reporting. Select the answers that best fit your situation. |
Snapchat: reporting abuse
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To report abuse on Instagram, go to the post that you want to report. Select the three-dot menu. It's usually in top or bottom right-hand corner of the post. Select report. You'll be asked about the post you're reporting. Select the answers that best fit your situation. This reports the post and its user to Instagram. To report a user, open their profile. Select the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Select report. You'll be asked about the user you're reporting. Select the answers that best fit your situation. To block a user, open their profile. Select the three-dot menu in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Select block, and then confirm your selection. |
Report abuse to Instagram
Watch more videos about how to report abuse and adjust basic safety settings on different devices.
More resources
Get support
1800RESPECT
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, you can get support by calling or texting, or visiting the website for online chat and video call services.
Beyond Blue
All ages. All issues. Phone counselling and online chat available all day, every day.
Terms and Conditions
The TFA Support Service (the Service), and the information provided through it, are provided ‘as is’ (and as a guide only) and are not a substitute for professional advice (whether medical, clinical, legal, technical, or otherwise). You should not rely on the Service to make any decision and you are encouraged to seek professional advice if appropriate. For more information about how the Service can be used, and its limitations, please read the full Terms and Conditions.
Last updated: 18/03/2025
