Samuel · name changed
Samuel used to regard online harassment as something unavoidable. He saw young women insulted, threatened and shamed in online groups, but remained silent because he feared ridicule from his peers.
At a NOCAPAD youth dialogue on digital gender-based violence, he learned about cyberstalking, sharing images without consent and online hate speech. Discussions helped him understand the harm these behaviours cause and the role bystanders can play in prevention.
After the dialogue, Samuel began challenging abusive content and encouraging peers to remove harmful posts. He also helped a young woman report online threats through the channels introduced during the session.
The account describes a change in how he sees his responsibility: protecting others online is part of building a safer, more peaceful community. His example has encouraged other young men to question online violence rather than accept it.
“I now know that protecting others online is also peacebuilding.”
Samuel · name changed
Adapted from NOCAPAD’s FHN project Stories of Change report. Names are changed where indicated to protect privacy. These accounts describe reported experiences, rather than independently measured project results.
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