Online and technology-facilitated abuse

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attack

Forcing an online service or website to shut down by overwhelming or disrupting it with a sudden increase of online activity.

Deadnaming

Intentionally using a trans person's birth name (not corresponding to their gender) to shame or threaten them.

Deep fakes

Audio image or video altered and/or synthetically created to replicate someone's voice or appearance. This technology can be used for manipulative purposes, such as displaying someone in an intimate or sexually explicit activity. This can then be shared on pornographic websites without the person's consent. This use of deepfakes is a form of non-consensual intimate image abuse.

De-platforming

The manipulation of social media guidelines to remove or limit someone's online activity. 

Digital voyeurism

An umbrella term for different digital methods for secretly observing someone. This is a form of non-consensual intimate image abuse.

Downblousing

Taking photos or video of a woman's cleavage without their consent. This is a form of non-consensual intimate image abuse.

Doxing (also spelt “Doxxing")

Making someone's personal information publicly available without their consent. Typically includes someone's home address. This is often done to intimidate the victim with the threat of violence, since they can be located. Doxing is often perpetrated in the context of intimate partner violence.

Flaming

The act of posting or directing an insulting, offensive, or hostile online message or series of messages at someone else. This practice can sometimes become abusive, where messages or posts are sent repeatedly over a period of time to intentionally cause harm, or should be reasonably understood to cause harm.

Hacking

The process of illegally or non-consensually gaining access to a computer system or network.

'Happy slapping'

The act of physically attacking or sexually assaulting someone, with the aim of recording the assault being to share it online.

Internet of Things (IoT)

A term used to describe a network of online devices that interchange data. Examples include smart TVs, smart fridges, fitness trackers etc.

Internet Protocol (IP) Address

A unique string of characters used to identify a device on the internet or a network. IP Addresses can be used to determine someone's location.

Malware or malicious software

Any software that intentionally harms a computer. Typically done to either steal sensitive information, disrupt or track someone's online activity.

Metadata

Data that provides information about other data. An example would include the date, time, or location that a picture was taken.

Non-Consensual Intimate image abuse

Any form of abuse which involves using an intimate image of someone without their consent. Typically done by sharing or posting the image(s) online or through text messages.

Non-Consensual Pornography

A term used to describe the online distribution of private or sexually explicit images or videos of someone without their consent. Typically for the use of sexual gratification. This is sometimes called 'revenge porn'. This is a form of non-consensual intimate image abuse. It is not recommended to use this term, since it does not state directly that this practice is abuse.

Online grooming

A term used to refer to someone using online platforms or technology to develop a relationship with a child or young person, with the intention of sexual gratification.

Online platforms

Typically refers to social media websites (i.e. Facebook, Instagram etc.) or any website where the user can make a public comment. See de-platforming.

Outing

The practice of revealing someone's sexual orientation or gender identity without their consent. Typically done publicly.

'Revenge P​orn'

A term used to describe the online distribution of private and sexually explicit images and videos of someone without their consent. Typically associated with partners and ex-partners. It is not recommended to use the term 'revenge porn' as not all perpetrators of this abuse are motivated by 'revenge' or other personal feelings towards the victim. Non-consensual intimate image abuse is the preferred term.

Sexting

Exchanging, sending or receiving sexually explicit messages, often containing pictures or videos. It is not recommended to use this term to refer to unsolicited sexually explicit images, since it doesn't imply a lack of consent.

Sexual Extortion or 'Sextortion'

The act of threatening to publish sexual content (images, videos, deepfakes, or sexual rumours) to threaten, coerce or blackmail someone. Typically, the perpetrator is an ex-partner who obtains images or videos during the relationship.

Sexual Solicitation​​

These requests are typically unsolicited and can lead to requests regarding sex. Includes sending sexually explicit images, voicemails, or text messages. These requests can lead to abusive and or misogynistic comments, harassment, or threats.

'Slut-shaming'

The act of shaming women and girls based on their perceived appearance, behaviour, or sexual activity.

Smart home devices

Home appliances which can be controlled via a smartphone or tablet. Examples include thermostats, lights etc.

Spyware or Stalkerware

Software downloaded onto someone's phone or device to track the activities of that device. This can be done by accident when downloading an app onto a smart phone or downloading software from a website onto a computer. This term is often used in the context of abusive partners or ex-partners using spyware to track a victim's location and/or online activity. Spyware and stalkerware are often used interchangeably in the context of domestic abuse.

Swatting

The act of deceiving police services into sending officers to someone's location based on a false report with the intent to cause the victim distress. Typically used in the context of online streaming platforms, such as Twitch. Can involve doxing.

Trolling

Posting offensive or controversial messages online, to receive an angry or upset response from an individual or group of people. This can sometimes become abusive, where messages are threatening or are sent repeatedly.

Upskirting

Taking photos or video from under a woman's skirt or dress without their consent. This is a form of non-consensual intimate image abuse.

'Virtual rape'

A situation where a person's avatar or digital representation of themselves, is subjected to simulated sexual violence by other online users. Typically found in online gaming settings.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)​

A secure private internet connection setup over a public network. Provides protection and limits visibility from other people connected to a public network.