Digital Abuse

My ex logged into my online profile and has been posting fake messages. What do I do?

It’s important to continuously change your passwords if you believe your ex might be logging in to your online accounts. If you haven’t done so already, you should also consider changing your privacy settings so that your profile is only visible to certain people.

We also strongly encourage you to create a safety plan, even if your ex hasn’t made any physical threats against you. If your ex has impersonated you in your personal online profiles, this is a very serious thing.

Also, your ex’s actions may be against the law. If you want to learn about your legal rights and options, it’s important to talk to an attorney who can provide you with this information.

Whether or not a person is involved in a situation with an abusive partner or ex, it’s important to know how to navigate the Internet safely. This page gives you more information about how to be safe online.

You can also fine additional helpful information here.

And don’t forget, if you ever feel you’re in immediate danger, you should call the police right away.

My boyfriend is constantly asking me to send him nude photos of me. I don’t feel comfortable doing it but part of me also thinks it’s not a big deal. Is there a problem with it?

- Texas, 15

If someone is pressuring you to send private pictures of yourself it is not okay and can be considered a form of abuse. Forcing someone or pressuring them to do something they don’t want to do or not comfortable doing is never okay. In fact, in some states, sending nude or semi-nude pictures could be illegal and punishable with jail time, especially if the person in the photo is a minor. This can also be true of the person receiving the photos.

Beyond any legal trouble, it’s important to think about other risks – the photos could be passed around school or on the internet. This is especially a risk during a bad break-up. These are all things that should be considered. While it may seem harmless, sharing these types of photos can have greater consequences.

We encourage all teens to use technology safely and wisely. We suggest reading over information found here on The Safe Space about technology and abuse.

You have the right to a safe and healthy relationship. If you feel pressured to do something you don’t want to do, your relationship may not be as healthy as you deserve and it’s important to address it right away. We encourage you to take our Healthy Relationship Quiz to see if there are issues that should be addressed right away.

And remember, if you believe you have been the victim of digital or technology abuse, there are people who can help.