The internet has changed the way we talk, learn, work, and connect. It has also created a place for abuse, especially against women. This abuse can have serious effects on mental health.
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) spoke with the National Organization for Women (NOW)’s president, Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW about internet abuse. She also shares what to do if it happens to you or a loved one.
What Is Internet Abuse?
Christian F. Nunes says internet abuse happens when people use technology, apps, or social media to harm others. Most victims are women and girls.
Internet abuse includes:
- Doxxing – Sharing a woman’s personal details online, putting her in danger.
- Cyberstalking, trolling, and cyberbullying – Harassment, threats, or unwanted attention.
- Non-consensual image sharing – People can make deepfake images or videos that use a woman’s face, voice, or body without her permission. Nunes explains that 99% of deepfake images are non-consensual, meaning the person never agreed to them.
Internet abuse is common and affects women and children worldwide. According to a 2024 UNICEF survey, 80% of children in 25 countries feel at risk of online sexual abuse.
Nunes warns that one of the most concerning things is that people are becoming used to seeing these deepfake sexual images.
What Are the Mental Health Effects?
As a clinical social worker and trauma therapist, Nunes understands the serious effects of internet abuse. Some people think that because the abuse happens online, it is not as bad. Nunes explains that sexual abuse images can spread quickly online and can be hard to get taken down. Online sexual abuse can lead to:
- Fear and anxiety
- Social isolation (avoiding people and activities)
- Trust issues (struggling to feel safe with others)
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Thoughts of suicide
How To Get Help
Nunes wants women to know that if they are a victim of online abuse, it is not their fault and they should never feel embarrassed for getting help.
Women with PTSD from sexual abuse might have triggers. Triggers are things that remind someone of what happened and make them have a bad reaction. She encourages women to seek help from a licensed therapist who specializes in:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness
Ways to Stay Safe Online
To protect yourself and your loved ones, Nunes suggests:
- Adjust privacy settings – Only share posts with people you know.
- Be mindful of personal details – Don’t post information that can identify you.
- Be cautious with friend requests – Don’t accept requests from strangers, bots, or fake accounts.
- Block and report – If someone is harassing you, block them and don’t engage.
- Report abuse quickly – Contact the police and take good notes or screenshots of what happened. RAINN and sexual abuse hotlines (1-800-656-HOPE) can provide support.
If online abuse has happened to you, know that you are not alone. Make sure you reach out for help if you need it and stay safe.
