Chapter 18🌿 If Janani Faces Harassment or Fake Accounts on Instagram

🛡️ 1. Stay Calm — Don’t Engage

The first step is not to reply or react emotionally.

Harassers want a reaction — anger, fear, or anxiety — because it gives them control.

Silence and evidence are her real weapons.

> “Don’t feed the fire; record where it burns.”

📸 2. Collect Evidence

Take screenshots of every message, profile, and post.

Save the username, date, and time clearly.

If they change profile names, keep track of both old and new handles.

These become powerful proof if she needs to file a legal or cyber complaint.

⚙️ 3. Report and Block

Use Instagram’s “Report → Harassment or Bullying” feature.

After reporting, block the profile immediately.

Avoid checking back often — obsessive checking increases anxiety.

(Janani can also adjust privacy settings to allow messages only from known people and limit story visibility.)

⚖️ 4. File a Cybercrime Report (Very Important)

Visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in

Or call the helpline number 1930 (India).

She should attach screenshots, account links, and mention if any threats or blackmail were made.

If she feels unsafe, she can go to the nearest police station (Women’s Cell) for immediate help.

Cybercrime is a punishable offense under Section 67 of the IT Act (India).

💬 5. Inform Trusted People

She must confide in one or two trusted persons — like a close friend, sibling, or mentor.

Isolation increases panic.

Talking gives relief, perspective, and safety.

It’s not “weakness” to seek help; it’s emotional intelligence.

🧘‍♀️ 6. Protect Her Mental Space

Unfollow negative pages or gossip-based accounts.

Avoid searching for those who hurt her — digital self-control is part of healing.

Practice grounding techniques: deep breathing, journaling, or short evening walks.

If anxiety or fear grows, she should consider counseling or trauma therapy.

🌸 7. Remember Her Worth

> “Their actions don’t define your character — your calm defines your power.”

Janani must remind herself that online cruelty says nothing about her value, only about their mindset.

The more she detaches emotionally, the faster she reclaims peace.

🌿 Psychological Summary

Harassment online often aims to:

Trigger emotional breakdowns

Destroy self-image

Create dependency or fear

But awareness, action, and emotional grounding reverse that effect.

When Janani acts wisely — documenting, reporting, and protecting her peace — she turns the situation from victimization to empowerment.