New tool to combat online abuse launched
Stop Online Abuse: Know Your Rights: Report, Complain, Campaign
A new website tackling online abuse aimed at women and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) people is launched today.
Stop Online Abuse (www.stoponlineabuse.org.uk), the government funded site was created by Galop, an LGBT anti-violence charity, in consultation with Trans Media Watch, the Women’s Resource Centre, Gender Identity Research and Education Society, Rights of Women, Allsorts, End Violence Against Women and the LGBT Consortium.
The group of charities with 161 years of collective experience in anti-violence work came together in a unique alliance to provide answers for people facing this modern form of an old problem.
The website provides advice for individuals, especially women and LGBT people (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans*) about fighting abuse and harassment online and in other media.
The site was commissioned by the Government Equalities Office. With the message ‘Know your rights: report, complain, campaign’, it aims to empower people facing sexist, homophobic, biphobic or transphobic abuse online.
The site is the first of its kind to specifically tackle these issues. It was produced by experts from Galop as part of their fight for online safety, in response to growing number of people contacting them for help.
It is particularly aimed at people facing online harassment, domestic abuse, revenge porn, stalking, hate speech, sexual harassment, outing and blackmail, and contains advice about the law, sources of support and speaking up against abusive or derogatory online comments.
Nik Noone, Galop’s CEO said:
“Evidence suggests that over one million people in the UK face online abuse each year. Whilst online abuse can affect anyone, women and LGBT people often experience abuse as a result of their sex, gender identity or sexual orientation.
We’ve all seen a growing number of high profile examples of online abuse in the news. Our casework here at Galop also evidences an increasing trend, the impact of which can have far reaching consequences. This project is about ensuring that protection from harassment and abuse against women and LGBT people in the real world exists in the online world too.”
Women and Equalities Minister Nicky Morgan said:
“This new site will provide practical advice for women and LGB&T people on how to recognise abuse, what steps to take to report it and how to get offensive content removed. It is another sign of our determination to tackle discrimination in all its forms and to creating a fairer society for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Fiona Vera Gray, Operations Coordinator, Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre said:
“This site makes it much easier for anyone affected by abuse online to understand their rights and choices. Identifying the problem, rallying support and providing resources for action, are crucial steps towards ending all forms of abuse and harassment that are disproportionately directed at women and LGBT peoples.”
Vivienne Hayes, CEO, Womens Resource Centre said:
“We are very pleased to see the launch of this website. Online harassment, stalking and other violations are arguably the modern face of discrimination and abuse and must be taken seriously and addressed. This website is an extremely valuable resource for anybody affected.”
END
________________________________________
Contact:
For more information contact Nik Noone, CEO, Galop on 0207 704 6767 or nik.noone@galop.org.uk
The Government Equalities Office media team can be contacted on 0207 3407851
Notes to Editors
Galop, which created the site in consultation with other partners, is a specialist LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity. It gives support to people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. It also successfully lobbies and campaigns for equality and the rights of the LGBT communities in the criminal justice system in the UK and in Europe.
The website includes the following case study:
Sapna was harassed by her ex-partner who left derogatory comments on facebook and contacted her many times a day by phone and text. They would also turn up at Sapna’s home, work and follow her. The erratic but constant nature of the harassment left her feeling upset and unsettled. A friend eventually helped her get advice from a domestic abuse charity who helped her get an injunction which led to the harassment stopping.
Project information:
Website: www.stoponlineabuse.org.uk
Project partners:
Allsorts Youth Project
Galop
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES)
LGBT Consortium
The Rights of Women
Trans Media Watch
Women’s Resource Centre
