Post on Social Media

Posting about the incident has many risks, but is an accessible option.

What are the benefits?

  • Social media is an accessible way to tell the public about what happened.

  • Social media can potentially attract much more attention, including press attention, than telling friends or filing a private complaint with the offender.

  • Companies and individuals are often very sensitive about being named in social media posts, especially in a negative light.

  • Sometimes people heal through speaking up and telling others. Posting about the incident could be relieving and part of the process for you.

  • It could potentially protect your community from harm.

What are the potential risks?

  • If the offender has power over you in terms of your job, there’s a risk of retaliation.

  • You could be sued for defamation. This could set you back financially and emotionally. Unfortunately suing survivors has become a tactic of the offender to get the survivor to take back their statement.

  • You could potentially face discrimination in housing, banking, employment, or other areas of your life as a result of public attention.

  • Although it is terrible to not believe someone who is coming forward, oftentimes reputations of survivors are ruined when others don’t believe them.

  • Social media is a permanent and public option. You often don’t get a say in who will see your post, or what the reaction will be.

  • A social media post can take on a life of its own, and transform a small statement into a major discussion or news event.

  • Conversely, a social media post may attract no attention at all, and leave you feeling isolated or ignored.

What else should I know?