What should I do if I am being threatened online?

Online harassment involving threats of violence is treated as a criminal matter. If you are in immediate danger, you should ring 999. For civil injunctions, the text advises instructing a media or harassment specialist. Additionally, Refuge and Suzy Lamplugh Trust offer support and signposting for those affected by such harassment.

Which laws apply to online harassment in England and Wales?

The legal framework for online harassment in England and Wales includes the Protection from Harassment Act, Malicious Communications, and the Online Safety Act. Victims can also use platform reporting mechanisms and focus on evidence preservation to support their case against the harasser.

What can I do if a social media platform refuses to remove my harasser's content?

If a platform refuses to remove harassing content, you may consider legal avenues such as cease and desist letters or reporting the matter to the police. The text also mentions search engine delisting and right-to-erasure requests as potential steps, though specific outcomes depend on the circumstances.

Is doxxing or intimate image abuse covered by these protections?

Doxxing and intimate image abuse are specific forms of online harassment addressed under the relevant legislation. Victims can seek support from organisations like Refuge and Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which provide signposting. For legal action, consulting a specialist solicitor is recommended.

Who can help me if I am being harassed online?

If you are in immediate danger, you must ring 999. For non-emergency criminal matters, you can report the harassment to the police. For civil remedies like injunctions, you should instruct a media or harassment specialist solicitor to handle the legal process.

All Situations

For Online Harassment Victims

Protection from Harassment Act, Malicious Communications, Online Safety Act, platform reporting, and evidence preservation.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

Cease and desist a harasser

Reporting to the police

Platform refused to remove content

Doxxing / intimate image abuse

Search engine delisting refused

Key Legal Topics

Criminal Law

Offences against persons and property, defences, sentencing, and criminal procedure.

Letter Templates

Harassment Cease and Desist

Letter putting an alleged harasser on notice that their conduct may amount to harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.

Police Complaint Letter (to PSD)

Formal complaint to a police force's Professional Standards Department (PSD), with onward escalation to the IOPC.

Right to Erasure Request (Article 17 UK GDPR)

Request to a data controller to erase your personal data under Article 17 of the UK GDPR.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I am being threatened online?: Online harassment involving threats of violence is treated as a criminal matter. If you are in immediate danger, you should ring 999. For civil injunctions, the text advises instructing a media or harassment specialist. Additionally, Refuge and Suzy Lamplugh Trust offer support and signposting for those affected by such harassment.
Which laws apply to online harassment in England and Wales?: The legal framework for online harassment in England and Wales includes the Protection from Harassment Act, Malicious Communications, and the Online Safety Act. Victims can also use platform reporting mechanisms and focus on evidence preservation to support their case against the harasser.
What can I do if a social media platform refuses to remove my harasser's content?: If a platform refuses to remove harassing content, you may consider legal avenues such as cease and desist letters or reporting the matter to the police. The text also mentions search engine delisting and right-to-erasure requests as potential steps, though specific outcomes depend on the circumstances.
Is doxxing or intimate image abuse covered by these protections?: Doxxing and intimate image abuse are specific forms of online harassment addressed under the relevant legislation. Victims can seek support from organisations like Refuge and Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which provide signposting. For legal action, consulting a specialist solicitor is recommended.
Who can help me if I am being harassed online?: If you are in immediate danger, you must ring 999. For non-emergency criminal matters, you can report the harassment to the police. For civil remedies like injunctions, you should instruct a media or harassment specialist solicitor to handle the legal process.

When to Get Legal Advice

If you are in immediate danger, ring 999. Online harassment carrying threats of violence is a criminal matter. For civil injunctions, instruct a media or harassment specialist; Refuge and Suzy Lamplugh Trust offer support and signposting.