Internet Abuse and PTSD: Insights from NOW’s President Christian Nunes

The evolution of the internet has significantly transformed our communication, education, work, and interpersonal connections. However, this digital landscape has also fostered environments where abuse can thrive, particularly against women. The repercussions of such abuse extend beyond the virtual realm, often leading to severe mental health issues that can affect victims long-term.

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) engaged in a conversation with Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, the president of the National Organization for Women (NOW). In this discussion, she sheds light on the realities of internet abuse and offers guidance on what steps to take if you or someone you care about experiences it.

Understanding the Different Forms of Internet Abuse

According to Christian F. Nunes, internet abuse occurs when individuals utilize technology, social media, or applications to inflict harm on others. A significant portion of the victims are women and girls, highlighting a troubling trend in online behavior.

Examples of internet abuse encompass a range of harmful actions:

• Doxxing – This refers to the act of publishing a woman’s private information online, which can lead to serious personal safety risks.
• Cyberstalking, trolling, and cyberbullying – These actions involve persistent harassment, threats, or unwelcome attention, creating a hostile online environment.
• Non-consensual image sharing – This includes the creation of deepfake images or videos that exploit a woman’s likeness without her consent. Nunes emphasizes that a staggering 99% of deepfake content is produced without the individual’s agreement.

Internet abuse is alarmingly prevalent, impacting women and children globally. A recent UNICEF survey conducted in 2024 revealed that 80% of children across 25 nations feel vulnerable to online sexual exploitation.

Nunes expresses particular concern over the desensitization to deepfake sexual imagery, which can normalize abusive content and further perpetuate the cycle of harm.

Exploring the Mental Health Consequences of Online Abuse

With her expertise as a clinical social worker and trauma therapist, Nunes recognizes the profound implications of internet abuse on mental well-being. Many individuals mistakenly believe that online abuse is less severe than physical abuse, underestimating its potential impact. She explains that images of sexual abuse can circulate rapidly online, often proving difficult to remove, which contributes to ongoing distress. The mental health repercussions of online sexual abuse can manifest in several ways:

• Fear and anxiety – Victims may experience heightened levels of fear that affect their daily lives.
• Social isolation – Many individuals may withdraw from social interactions and activities they once enjoyed.
• Trust issues – Survivors may struggle to feel safe around others, leading to difficulties in forming relationships.
• PTSD – Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can arise, causing persistent emotional and psychological distress.
• Suicidal thoughts – In severe cases, individuals may contemplate suicide as a way to escape their pain.

Empowering Victims: How to Seek Support

Nunes emphasizes that women must understand that being a victim of online abuse is not their fault, and they should never feel ashamed to seek assistance. For women coping with PTSD resulting from sexual abuse, triggers can exacerbate their distress. These triggers can include sights, sounds, or situations that remind them of their trauma. She strongly encourages women to reach out to licensed therapists who specialize in:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A proven method to help reframe negative thought patterns.
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – A specific therapy aimed at addressing trauma-related thoughts.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – An effective approach for processing traumatic memories.
• Mindfulness – Techniques to help individuals stay grounded and present.

Essential Strategies for Online Safety

To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from potential online threats, Nunes recommends the following proactive measures:

1. Review and adjust privacy settings – Ensure that you only share posts with trusted individuals.
2. Be cautious with personal information – Avoid posting sensitive details that could lead to identification or harm.
3. Exercise discretion with friend requests – Be wary of accepting requests from unfamiliar individuals, bots, or suspicious accounts.
4. Utilize blocking and reporting features – If someone harasses you, block them immediately and refrain from engaging further.
5. Report any abuse promptly – Contact authorities and document incidents with detailed notes or screenshots. Resources like RAINN and sexual abuse hotlines (1-800-656-HOPE) are available for support.

If you or someone you know has experienced online abuse, remember that you are not alone. It’s crucial to seek help and ensure your safety in the digital world.

Resources and Support Contact Information for Women in Crisis