Online Harassment

Support helplines

Members who experience online harassment can contact Help Musicians' helpline, open to anyone who experiences bullying and harassment in the industry.

The MU’s Safe Space scheme also provides a safe space for musicians to report instances of sexual harassment and abuse in the music industry. Report your experiences to Safe Space.

There are many organisations providing mental health and wellbeing support. Take a look at our full list of organisations that may be particularly useful to musicians.

Documenting online abuse

Documenting online harassment can help you if you need evidence for social media platforms, employers, engagers or the police.

This resource created by Glitch outlines key steps for documenting online abuse in a spreadsheet and dedicated folder:

1. Give the incident an identification number or name to help you track it in future
2. Note down how it makes you feel; it can help to assign it a number from 1 (not bothered) to 10 (extremely upset), and you may want to add to this section as you go
3. Note down the date and time of the abuse, and ensure that this is included in any screenshots if you can
4. Record the social media handles the abuse came from in order to help you identify repeat harassers and ensure you can silence or block them later
5. If you know their name, note that down in a separate column in case they change their handles in the future
6. Screenshot the post(s) and keep them in a dedicated folder; include a link to the image or the file name in a column on your spreadsheet
7. Copy the link to the post – even if the original post is deleted, the authorities may still be able to retrieve it
8. Include a column naming the social media platform
9. Record when you reported and blocked that account on the platform, and any action taken by the platform.

This process can be difficult so consider asking a trusted friend or the Union for support, calling one of the numbers above or contacting Samaritans on 116 123, and taking some time to practice self-care.

Encouraging solidarity

It is important that everyone understands the role of active online bystander. Look out for free training and events on this topic. If you find yourself the subject of harassment online, consider asking trusted friends and networks to take on this role; reporting and blocking perpetrator accounts, and replying with and amplifying positive messages.

Check your online security

It can help to remove your name and phone number from the internet. Try searching for yourself online to see what details may be public. For example, many people don't realise that their names and addresses are available for free on 192 Directory Enquiries. You may also find old social media posts, listings, publications or other content in which your email, phone number or address may be visible.

Consider what you post online. It's a lot easier than many of us realise to find people online from photo and video content. Common advice includes not sharing when or where you may be on holiday until after you return. Others include not filming on routes you commonly use between home and regular workplaces, and not revealing where and when you may be using public transport.

Finally, make sure you secure your online accounts and password, and look out for any data breaches. Many phone operating systems have a built-in tool that monitors for potentially compromised passwords; companies that operate under GDPR regulations must also notify you of any potential data breaches. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has published its top tips for staying secure online, which includes more on this as well as two-factor authentication and other measures you can take to protect yourself online.

Stalking and cyberstalking

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust is a personal safety charity and leading authority on stalking including cyberstalking. Resources include the National Stalking Helpline, the Am I Being Stalked? assessment tool, and practical advice on staying safe online.

The charity also runs National Stalking Awareness Week every April, as well as campaigning on personal safety and stalking issues and organising events, conferences and training sessions throughout the year. 

Tackling tech abuse 

Tech abuse is the use of technology by abusers to control, harass or intimidate. In 2019, 72% of Refuge’s service users reported experiencing tech abuse.

Refuge has launched a tech safety hub to help you stay safe online. It includes an explanation of tech abuse with examples of what it may look like, and advice on how to secure your tech on your phone, tablet and other devices as well as in your home.

Refuge also provides advice on recognising tech abuse, and what do if you think someone you know is experiencing tech abuse.