Cyber Safety and Cyberviolence
What is cyberviolence?
Cyberviolence is defined as aggresive, harmful online behaviours that target someone's physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional well-being. It can include:
- online harassment
- threatening
- blackmailing
- unwanted contact
- stalking
- doxxing
- hate speech
- non-consensual sharing of intimate images, audio, or video
Even though cyberviolence takes place online, it has real-world implications. Marginalized groups are disproportionately impacted by acts of cyberviolence, and can experience higher rates of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and stress.
Combating cyberviolence involves implementing measures to protect our community against online threats, fostering a safer digital environment where everyone can freely express themselves without fear of abuse or harm. If you have experienced cyberviolence, you are not alone and it is not your fault.
If you are a student who has experienced doxxing, harrassment, cyberbullying, or another form of cyberviolence, Student Support and Case Management through Student Experience can provide support and resources.
If you are in crisis, please call 911. Visit the Crisis Contact Information webpage for additional resources for urgent support.
If you would like to learn more about cyberviolence and other forms of gender-based and sexual violence, visit the Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Education FAQs webpage.
Cyber Safety
While eliminating cyberviolence online is difficult, there are some tools you can use to help protect yourself and your information from harm online! Cyber security best practices, like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and privacy controls are not just about protecting your personal information; they are important for protecting your personal safety too!
With the rise of cyberbullying, harassment, and doxxing, your online presence can become a potential target. Make it harder for online predators to access your accounts, information, and your life. Be cyber smart with the resources found on our website and in the links below:
- Why you should use a password manager (The Guardian)
- Check to see if your passwords have been leaked (HaveIBeenPwned)
- Why MFA is an essential part of Cyber Security (Get Cybersafe)
- Strong Passwords (xkcd)
- Social Media Safety (Digital Citizenship)
- How to Be Safe Online (SoulMedicine)
Published on and maintained in Cascade.
