How The Cyber Helpline Supports Survivors of Gender Based Cyber Harms
For many survivors of gender based violence, abuse continues long after physical contact ends. It can follow them into their devices, accounts and online spaces, creating a sense of being watched, monitored or controlled. These digital harms are often confusing and hard to identify, and survivors are frequently told to simply “change their passwords” or “turn off social media.”
At The Cyber Helpline, we recognise that this advice does not meet the complex needs of survivors experiencing technology-facilitated abuse. Cyber harms within gender based violence are not random technical incidents. They are deliberate actions rooted in power, intimidation and control. Our role is to provide informed, accessible and trauma-aware support that helps survivors regain safety and confidence in their digital lives.
Recognising cyber harms within the wider context of abuse
When we speak to service users, one of the first things we do is listen closely to the context surrounding the cyber incidents. Digital abuse rarely exists on its own. It is interconnected with emotional manipulation, coercive control, threats, harassment or stalking. By understanding this wider pattern, we can give survivors clarity and reassurance.
For many, simply having their experience recognised is a turning point. Survivors often come to us feeling dismissed by others or unsure whether what is happening “counts” as abuse. We validate their instincts and help them understand how digital behaviours can fit into a broader pattern of harm.
Making technical issues clear and manageable
Technology can feel intimidating when it is being misused, and abusers often exploit this fear. Survivors may feel overwhelmed, uncertain where the threat is coming from, or scared of making the situation worse by changing settings or devices.
Our specialists break down the technical landscape in calm, simple terms. We explain what is happening step by step, without jargon or assumptions. This approach helps survivors feel capable rather than overwhelmed. We focus on building understanding so survivors can make informed choices at each stage of the process.
Designing personalised digital safety plans
Every survivor’s situation is different, and so is every safety plan we create. A survivor may have children sharing devices, a perpetrator with past access to accounts, a shared tenancy, or devices linked to cloud systems they no longer control. One-size-fits-all advice can increase risk or cause distress.
We design digital safety plans that consider:
The survivor’s relationship or contact with the perpetrator.
Level of access the perpetrator may still have.
The survivor’s home environment and device use.
Their comfort with technology.
The risk of escalating harm if changes are made too quickly.
Safety planning might involve securing accounts, reviewing shared devices, managing online visibility, or planning the safest way to update technology without alerting the perpetrator.
Making digital safety empowering, not limiting
A common misconception is that survivors should withdraw from technology to stay safe. We take the opposite approach. Technology is a lifeline for many survivors, connecting them to work, support networks and essential services.
We aim to help survivors stay online safely and confidently. We offer options, not ultimatums, and work with survivors to find solutions that feel manageable and empowering. Building skills and confidence is a key part of long-term digital resilience.
Providing ongoing support
Cyber harms linked to gender based violence can resurface unexpectedly, especially when perpetrators attempt to re-establish control. That is why our support does not end after the first intervention. Survivors can come back for follow-up help, device checks, or advice during life changes such as moving home or replacing technology.
Continuous support ensures survivors are not left to navigate digital risks alone.
Working alongside frontline gender based violence services
Since cyber harms often overlap with physical, emotional or financial abuse, we coordinate with domestic abuse services, safeguarding teams and law enforcement when appropriate. This helps ensure that the digital dimension of abuse is recognised and addressed within overall safety planning.
Collaboration means survivors receive joined-up support rather than being passed between services with gaps in their protection.
Conclusion
Cyber harms are now a common feature of gender based violence, creating fear, confusion and long-lasting disruption. The Cyber Helpline is committed to providing specialised, survivor-centred support that addresses the unique risks of digital abuse. By offering clear guidance, personalised safety planning and ongoing support, we help survivors rebuild digital safety and reclaim their sense of control.