Saving evidence of online harassment
How to capture and keep messages, posts, and profiles from online harassment, and keep those records private and backed up.
Another message arrives, or a new account pops up saying the same things. It is natural to want to block, delete and look away. Before you do, take a minute to save what you are seeing. A record can matter later, and it can be gone quickly.
If you feel in danger, contact your local emergency number. This is general information, not legal advice; rules on evidence and on reporting differ by place.
In the next few minutes
- Take a screenshot that shows the message, the sender's name or handle, and the date or time.
- For a profile or post, also copy the link. Profiles get renamed and posts get deleted.
- Then use the platform's report tool. Reporting first can sometimes remove the content before you save it, so screenshot first.
- Block or mute if you want to. You have saved what you need.
Later, when you feel steadier
Start a simple log: date, platform, what was said, and a note of which screenshot goes with it. Short and factual is best. Some platforms let you download your data, which can include messages with full dates.
Keep a copy off your phone. If the harassment comes from someone who knows you, think about whether they could reach your photos through a shared account or a known passcode.
You do not have to read everything yourself. A trusted friend can collect screenshots for you, which takes some of the weight off.
Keeping the records private
Screenshots of harassment are upsetting to stumble on and can include personal details. Moving them out of your main camera roll, into a locked album or a vault such as VaultWell (coming soon), means they are there when you need them and not in your face every day.
Getting help
Police, a lawyer, or organizations that support people facing online abuse can tell you what records help where you live. If the harassment is linked to someone you live with or used to live with, the page on keeping evidence of abuse safer may help.