Women journalists face harassment online and off every day. The IWMF’s Attacks and Harassment: The Impact on Female Journalists and Their Work found that 70% of women journalists have experienced some form of harassment, threat or attack, and a third of women journalists have considered leaving the profession due to online attacks.

While the journalism industry has recognized the dangers of physical attacks, the same sense of urgency is needed to address online attacks. To bolster women journalists’ digital security and help the news media at large better support their employees’ online safety,  convening individuals and organizations to address these issues, the IWMF has formed the Coalition Against Online Violence, a broad group of stakeholders addressing online abuse, to enable better coordination and cross-promotion of resources offered by organizations addressing online attacks. Learn more about the Coalition and get involved here.

The Online Violence Response Hub is a resource center where women journalists can find the latest information on online abuse. From psychosocial trauma response, to one-on-one support, and the latest digital safety guides, the Hub puts everything in one place, allowing the journalist to focus on their safety instead of having to comb the internet for answers. The Online Violence Response Hub was created thanks to funding from Luminate, the Knight Foundation, and the Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Need support? Email us at digitalsafety@iwmf.org.

Facing online attacks? Get help now.

• Dealing with trolls or worried about protecting your data? Take our online courses, Know Your Trolls (available in English, Spanish, French, and Arabic) and Keep it Private (also available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic), to learn how to protect yourself and your information online.
• If you are a journalist experiencing online attacks, the IWMF will connect you to an expert for one-on-one digital safety consultations. Request a consultation here.
• Does your newsroom need help tackling online attacks? The IWMF and our partners offer free customized training workshops for U.S. newsrooms (for journalists of any gender). Email us for details at digitalsafety@iwmf.org.

Fight back online harassment. Join the Coalition Against Online Violence

Journalists face harassment and attacks online every day. Trolls often work together to amplify their attacks, yet journalists are almost always left to their own devices when they are targeted. It’s time that those on the receiving end of online attacks have access to networks that will support them. The journalism industry has recognized the need to ensure reporters’ physical safety, the same sense of urgency and support is needed to address online attacks.

The Coalition Against Online Violence is a collection of global organizations working to find better solutions for journalists facing online abuse, harassment and other forms of digital attack. The Coalition is funded by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and founded by the International Women’s Media Foundation.

Want to join the Coalition Against Online Violence and help end online attacks against journalists? Please complete this interest form.

Facing physical threats reporting?

The IWMF’s U.S. Journalism Emergency Fund provides direct, emergency aid to U.S.-based journalists who are reporting on political unrest or have been targeted (by authorities or civilians) for their reporting on protests, rallies, etc. This includes support for mental healthcare, medical aid, protective gear, legal fees, and more. Apply for Emergency Fund support here.

Coalition Against Online Violence Leadership