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Trapped Behind a Screen

 I never thought that something as simple as sharing my thoughts online would turn my life into a nightmare. At first, social media felt like a space where I could express myself freely. But one post—one opinion—was all it took for my world to spiral out of control.

The hateful comments started trickling in slowly, then turned into an unstoppable flood. Strangers mocked my appearance, questioned my character, and sent vulgar messages to my inbox. Soon, the abuse escalated—someone created fake accounts using my pictures, spreading lies about me. I was called names, threatened, and humiliated in ways I never imagined.

The worst part was the helplessness. When I reported the accounts, they were taken down, but new ones kept appearing. The police weren’t helpful either; they dismissed it as “just online hate” and told me to ignore it. Friends suggested I log off social media, but why should I be the one to disappear? Why should I have to silence myself while my abusers roamed free?

The emotional toll was unbearable. I lost sleep, my self-esteem shattered, and I began questioning everything. But then, I decided I wouldn’t let them win. I reached out to cybercrime helplines and women’s rights organizations that helped me file a proper complaint. With their support, I gathered evidence—screenshots, links, phone numbers—and pushed until the authorities took action.

Cyberbullying isn’t just “words on a screen”—it’s real, and it destroys lives. The biggest challenge is the lack of awareness and legal action. Many victims don’t report because they fear being blamed or not being taken seriously. Laws against cyber harassment exist in India, but enforcement is weak, and perpetrators hide behind anonymity.

We need stronger legal actions, faster response systems, and better digital literacy to protect women from online abuse. Social media platforms must also do more to hold harassers accountable. And most importantly, we must speak up—because silence only empowers abusers.

I still face online hate, but I refuse to be a victim anymore. To every woman facing cyberbullying, know this: You are not alone. Seek help, take action, and never let anyone take away your voice.

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