# Respond to online abuse, harassment, and intimidation In recent years, there has been an increase in incidents of online harassment targeted at students, faculty, staff, researchers, and others in the Harvard community. Online harassment can take different forms: - **Trolling** occurs when individuals deliberately follow and provoke others online, often with offensive content. Trolling can be a nuisance, or it can escalate to threats or coordinated harassment of people and organizations. - **Doxing** (sometimes “doxxing”) occurs under Harvard’s policies when a community member publicly shares an individual’s personal information without their permission with the intention and effect of intense harassment. ([Full definition of doxing](https://www.harvard.edu/president/news/2024/guidance-on-addressing-online-harassment/)) - **Cyberbullying** is the willful and repeated harm inflicted through using computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. These situations can be very intense, alarming, and disruptive, and can have real consequences for livelihoods and careers. We're providing the information on this page as a resource for community members who have been identified and targeted for online abuse, harassment, and intimidation. ## Important! **If you or those close to you are in imminent physical danger or there has been a direct threat of physical violence, you should immediately call the Harvard University Police Department at (617) 495-1212 if you are on the Harvard campus. If you are not on campus, call 911.** ## Steps you can take If you are experiencing online harassment, there are several actions you can take to help protect yourself and respond effectively. While the university's ability to remove or control content on external platforms is limited, the recommendations below can help you address abusive content, manage social media attacks, document evidence, and reduce unwanted communications. To report online harassment, [continue to the next section](). lock [### Take proactive steps to protect your privacy ](https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/how-to-delete-your-information-from-people-search-sites-a6926856917/)Search for your name online to understand what information about you is available for others to see. Some subscription services are available that assist in the removal of personal information from data broker websites. The Consumer Reports guide is linked above. phone\_android [### Document what's happening ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=7d83e28693818a104cf93f9a7bba10f1#document)If you’re being abused, harassed or threatened online, preserve evidence by saving emails, voicemails, texts, and taking screenshots. While this evidence may be upsetting, it can be useful if you choose to report the incident later. 3p [### Manage abuse on social media ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=7d83e28693818a104cf93f9a7bba10f1#social)Online harassment of any kind can be extremely stressful. If you are being harassed on social media, there are some steps you can consider to help you respond, including blocking or muting attackers or making your profiles private. book [### Request removal from Harvard directories ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=7d83e28693818a104cf93f9a7bba10f1#directory)If you're concerned that online harassers can find you on campus or use your Harvard email or phone number to direct harmful communications to you, you may request that some or all of your personal information be removed from University directories. mail [### Manage unwanted emails ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=4fe79ef84706b5106b944f53636d4377)Unwelcome emails can be annoying, malicious, or even threatening. Depending on the type of email, you may consider setting up your inbox to filter or block certain types of email, or reporting it. close [### Request that content is taken down ](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=7d83e28693818a104cf93f9a7bba10f1#false-statements)If abusive, harassing, threatening, AI‑generated impersonation content, or false statements about you have been posted on a website or social media platform, you may consider sending a written request to the organization to remove or correct the content. There are templates available in the addendum. ### How to report online harassment ### Report a threat If you or those close to you are in **imminent physical danger** or there has been a **direct threat of physical violence**, you should **immediately call the Harvard University Police Department** at (617) 495-1212 if you are on the Harvard campus. If you are not on campus, call 911. ### Report bullying or harassment Doxing violates two overlapping University policies—the prohibitions against “intense personal harassment” under the [University-wide Statement on Rights and Responsibilities](https://provost.harvard.edu/university-wide-statement-rights-and-responsibilities) (USRR) and “bullying” under the [Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying Policies](https://provost.harvard.edu/files/provost/files/non-discrimination_and_anti-bullying_policies.pdf) (NDAB). - To file an NDAB complaint, community members should contact their [Local Designated Resource](https://hwpi.harvard.edu/communityconduct/local-designated-resources) or the [Office of Community Conduct](https://hwpi.harvard.edu/communityconduct). - Complaints of violations of the USRR should be referred to the local student administrative board, or the local human resources office as appropriate. ## More resources There are other resources you can access to help you respond to online harassment or find support in a distressing situation. ### **Responding to online abuse and harassment** - [Full guide: Respond to online abuse, harassment, and intimidation](https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=7d83e28693818a104cf93f9a7bba10f1): Full, detailed version of University guidance on responding to online abuse. - [How to Delete Your Information From People-Search Sites](https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics/personal-information/how-to-delete-your-information-from-people-search-sites-a6926856917/): Guide from Consumer Reports including several CR-vetted companies who do this work. - [University Information Security and Data Privacy Office](https://privsec.harvard.edu/): Get training and guidance about best practices. - [Secure Your Digital Footprint](/best-practices-secure-your-digital-footprint "Best Practices - Secure Your Digital Footprint"): Advice on how to take proactive steps to keep yourself safe online. ### **Counseling services and other support resources** - [University Resources in Times of Crisis](https://www.harvard.edu/support-resources/): Get help when struggling or needing support. - [CAHMS Cares Line](https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/camhs-cares): For students to access mental health support immediately and be connected to other care as needed. - [Timely Care](https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/timelycare): Free virtual health resource. - [Harvard Chaplains](https://chaplains.harvard.edu/people) - Other support resources may be available at your School.