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Online Harassment

A visible online presence is an essential part of many musicians’ careers, but for some it can come with online abuse. Here is a list of resources you may find useful.

Last updated: 20 June 2025

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.

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.

Tech abuse is real.

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.

Encouraging solidarity

Glitch encourages everyone to do their bit to make online spaces safer for everyone – including those who do not experience online abuse. Read their advice on how you can be an Online Active Bystander and share it with your fans, colleagues, friends and other networks.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust 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.

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

Remember your commitment as an MU member

Every MU member signs up to the MU’s Rules when they join. That includes a commitment “to oppose actively all forms of harassment, prejudice and unfair discrimination whether on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic or national origin, religion, colour, class, caring responsibilities, marital status, sexuality, disability, age, or other status or personal characteristic” in the MU’s objects (goals / purpose).

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