Protect Yourself Online
SW’ers deserve safety online and offline.
If something starts spiraling publicly, this page is here to help you slow it down, save your proof, and think clearly before reacting.
You don’t have to respond immediately.
Start here.
Save It
Before you respond, argue, explain, or defend yourself, save what was posted.
• Screenshot the post
• Screenshot the username
• Screenshot the comments
• Screen record stories before they disappear
• Screenshot their profile page
That’s it. Just save it.
Save Anything Connected
If the situation touches your work, also save:
• DMs or emails about it
• Contracts or agreements
• Payment receipts
• Messages about cancellations
• Anything showing lost income
You don’t have to use this.
You just need to have it.
Slow Down
You do not have to respond immediately.
• Step away for a few hours
• Do not post a vague response
• Do not fight in comment sections
• Talk to someone first
Online conflict escalates fast.
Slowing down protects you.
When Online Talk Starts Affecting Your Real Life
A quick way to tell what’s just noise vs what could actually cost you money or safety.
Not every shady comment is a legal issue. Sometimes it’s just people being messy.
But when someone starts saying false things like they’re facts and it touches your work, bookings, money, or safety, that’s a different lane.
This section helps you name what’s happening so you can choose your next move without panicking.
Defamation (what it really means)
Defamation is when someone tells a lie about you in public like it’s a fact and it causes real harm.
Quick test:
If it’s an opinion, it sounds like “I feel…” or “I didn’t like…”
If it’s a claim, it sounds like “She DID…” “He IS…” “They ALWAYS…”
If a false claim is spreading and it’s costing you opportunities, document it.
Business interference (what it looks like)
Business interference is when someone tries to mess with your work on purpose.
Examples:
• Messaging your venue/studio/organizer to get you removed
• DM’ing your collaborators to scare them off
• Getting bookings cancelled or refunds triggered
Quick test:
If the harm shows up in your calendar or your money, it’s not “just internet talk.”
So what do I do?
If you’re not sure what category it falls into, don’t stress. Save proof first. You can decide what it means later.
Pause Before Escalating
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Don’t crop screenshots.
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Back everything up.
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Keep a simple timeline of what happened.
What To Do When Conflict Goes Public
If you’re going through something bigger than a comment thread, you don’t have to figure it out alone. These orgs do work around sex worker rights, digital harm, and civil liberties. Think of this as a starting list, not a perfect roadmap.
(And if you’re overwhelmed: your job today is just to save proof and ask for help. One step at a time.)
If Someone Is Posting About You
When you are accused of harm or misconduct, your first move is not a public response. Your first move is clarity.
• Save every screenshot. Do not edit or crop them.
• Review any contracts, agreements, or communications
• Notice what’s opinion vs. what’s being claimed as fact.
• Do not respond right away. Give yourself 24–48 hours before posting anything.
• Consult a neutral third party or legal professional if needed
If harm occurred, repair should happen privately first whenever possible.
If claims are false, documentation is stronger than emotion.
If You’re About to Speak Up
If you believe someone harmed you, start with clarity before escalation.
• Write a factual timeline of what happened
• Gather documentation (messages, contracts, receipts)
• Decide what outcome you want (apology, correction, removal, mediation)
• Consider reaching out privately before going public
• Seek legal guidance if serious financial or reputational harm occurred
Public call-outs without documentation can escalate conflict and expose everyone to additional harm.
Support + Next Steps
If you need additional support beyond documentation, the following organizations work in areas related to sexual freedom, sex worker rights, and digital harm. This list is informational and not an endorsement of specific legal representation.
Woodhull Freedom Foundation
Works on sexual freedom and civil rights issues. If your situation touches harassment, censorship, or civil liberties, their resources can be a good place to start.
SWOP-USA
A national sex worker rights network with local chapters and community support. Good for finding advocacy, community connections, and sometimes local resources.
Not every org can take every case. If one door closes, it doesn’t mean you’re wrong. It just means you try the next door with your screenshots and timeline ready.
A Note on Privacy + Responsibility
This page is meant to give you structure and clarity. It’s not legal advice.
Laws are different depending on where you live. If something is seriously affecting your income, contracts, safety, or reputation, it may be worth speaking with a licensed attorney in your area.
Stripped doesn’t investigate disputes or act as a judge. Our goal is to slow things down, encourage documentation, and support responsible communication inside our community.
If you’re unsure where to begin, you can reach out through our contact page. We can’t offer legal advice, but we can share publicly available resources and point you in the right direction.
Conflict online can feel overwhelming, especially in a community where our work already carries stigma.