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Welcome to Helpwanted
Are you, or someone close to you, dealing with online abuse? Do you need help or do you have questions? We can help. You can chat with Helpwanted, reach us by telephone on 020 – 261 52 75, or by e-mail on [email protected]. Free and anonymous.
By online abuse we mean the misuse of your images and/or personal data, grooming, sextortion, cyberbullying, online toxicity in games, cyber-stalking, account hacking, fake profiles and online scam and fraud on the internet.
About Helpwanted
We are a Dutch non-profit organisation. We are here to help people in the Netherlands who are dealing with online abuse. Helpwanted can provide you with personal and practical advice. We listen to you without judgement. If you don't speak Dutch, you can communicate with us in English, or use a translate-program to talk to us.
Helpwanted can assist you in removing your images and/or personal information from the internet. We have close contacts with many social media platforms. This allows us to quickly call in help and advise each other when necessary.
13 ways to stop online abuse and regain control
1
Always remember: it’s not your fault! You have the right to feel safe and respected online. No one is allowed to cross your boundaries or do something without your consent.
2
Prioritise your own safety and well-being. Talk about it with someone you trust. If you are a minor, talk to an adult. Talking helps and others can better understand what kind of unpleasant situation you are in. You may also want to consider reaching out to professional support.
3
Document the abuse. If you are going to report the online abuse to the police, you will need proof. Therefore, take screenshots of any threatening or harassing messages or images. Keep a record of all communication, dates, and times. Go to the website of the Dutch police (www.politie.nl/en) for more information.
4
Report the online abuse to the platform on which it takes place, such as social media providers. Block the person who is harassing you.
5
Warn the people around you and your online contacts if someone attempts to scam or misinform others on the internet using your online identity.
6
Send a request to remove your images and personal data to the administrator of the relevant website.
7
If someone is pressuring you online to do something against your will, do not respond. In cases of sextortion, never comply with the requests of the attacker, such as sending (more) images, videos, or money.
8
If you have been scammed or transferred money to someone who is taking advantage of you, report it to your bank. You might be able to get your money back.
9
Avoid sharing your personal information online. Adjust your social media privacy settings and make your accounts private to prevent strangers from contacting you. Refrain from sharing your real-time location.
10
Use strong passwords or a password manager for all your online accounts. Enable two-step authentication when possible.
11
Have a virus scanner check your computer, tablet or smartphone for viruses and other malware. Make sure your device is always running the latest operating system with all security updates.
12
Via websites such as 'Have I Been Pwned' and 'Scattered Secrets' you can check whether your email or telephone number is part of a data breach and whether your password has been hacked.
13
Do not engage in online shaming or victim-blaming. Treat others with respect and do not share anything online without their permission.