Supporting reporters who continue to receive an onslaught of hateful emails and messages targeting their identities is deeply important to the CAJ. We have heard from many journalists who are looking for resources to help cope with the impact of receiving hate, which includes threats of sexual assault, other forms of violence, and death.
First, we want to emphasize that the onus is not solely on an individual journalist to take action to protect themselves when dealing with online hate. We urge newsrooms, law enforcement, and government leadership to continue to take the issue seriously.
Along with the actions the CAJ is currently taking, including consulting with legal professionals, holding law enforcement agencies to account in investigating hate, and working with international press freedom groups — the board has gathered resources individuals can use to help protect themselves online.
With that in mind, here is a collection of resources that may be helpful to those experiencing hate, or supporting an employee or colleague who is being targeted. We’ve broken this down based on how long it takes to engage with the resource.
15 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME:
How to Dox Yourself on the Internet | The New York Times provides a step-by-step guide on how to remove personal information about yourself from the internet.
Dealing with Hate Campaigns: Toolkit for Journalists | The Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma explains what to do if you’re the target of a hate campaign, if you’re the employer of someone who has received hate, or if you are the co-worker of someone who has been targeted.
How Newsrooms, Journalists, and Their Peers Can Combat Online Violence | The Journalists Resource provides an overview of research on the mental health of journalists and tips for creating a peer-to-peer support network.
30 MINUTES TO AN HOUR:
Online Harassment Field Manual | Pen America provides several types of resources to combat online harassment, for those being targeted, witnesses and employers. They also have guides for self-care and how to prepare for online abuse in advance.
Digital Security During the Covid-19 Pandemic | The Committee to Protect Journalists offers a guide for journalists to secure their home office while newsrooms are off-limits.
Know Your Trolls | The International Women’s Media Foundation has a course on how to identify harassment, determine who might be behind it and how to be prepared.
The Foley Foundation Safety Guide | Training for journalist safety that extends to cyber threats.
LONGER-TERM PLANNING:
The GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Journalists | This toolkit helps you build up your security to protect yourself and sources.
IMPORTANT REPORTING ON HARASSMENT:
Journalists are under stress. What’s the solution? | Includes a round up of studies done on how journalists cope with stress and a list of resources for journalists.
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