By now if you follow me you have heard the accusations made against Zak Smith/Sabbath by his former girlfriend Mandy Morbid.

I believe her.

I have spent the majority of my time in the gaming community dodging him and his attention online, having seen the harassment, brigading, and doxxing he can command against those who disagree with him. I have seen threads turn toxic the second he typed a single word. I have comforted friends as they reel from his attacks.

I believe them.

Mandy is not the first to have spoken up, nor do I believe she will be the last. Zak is not the only abuser in gaming, nor is he the only one who has gotten away with it for years.

I believe victims.

There’s not much more I need to say on the topic. Kate Bullock of Bluestocking’s Organic Gaming helpfully compiled a list of resources for those dealing with this on all levels, from victim to supporter. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful.

Because we all know online harassment is about to spike, here’s a handy resource. Please share and help protect victims of online harassment in our gaming communities.

https://iheartmob.org/resources/supportive_organizations

If you are a survivor of trauma or abuse and are caught in the whirlwind news that is taking the gaming community by storm, this may help you.

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-cope-with-the-current-news-cycle-as-a-sexual-abu-1820823444

In case you are a victim or violence or abuse and are in Canada, or are afraid of violence or abuse. Here’s a space for you.

http://endingviolencecanada.org/getting-help/

In case you are queer and in Canada and suffering abuse or trauma or have and need support, or fear abuse or harassment coming your way. These resources can help.

https://thelifelinecanada.ca/resources/lgbtq/

If you are a survivor of abuse and need some extra support right now with what’s happening, here’s a resource for you.

https://www.nwnetwork.org/

In case you’re trans and need support because of abuse or harassment that you have suffered or may suffer in the future, here’s some support.

https://transequality.org/additional-help#hotline

In case you or someone you know has experienced trauma or abuse in a romantic relationship and are being triggered by what’s being shared or need help getting out.

https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/get-help

In case you are the friend of a victim of abuse or harassment, here are some tips on how to help you be a better friend to your loved ones around abuse.

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-help-a-victim-of-domestic-violence-66533

Some more resources on holding space and being a good friend to those who have been victims and are victims and are going to be victims of abuse and harassment.
http://www.safetotalk.org.uk/professionals/good-practice-guidelines-when-supporting-a-victim-of-domestic-violence-and-abuse/

If you are the friend of someone who’s experienced sexual assault and they need your support, here are some guidelines on being a good support.
https://www.rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault

If you are a friend of someone who’s a victim of online harassment, these guidelines may help. They are geared for children, but still apply to adults.
https://www.itnewsafrica.com/2015/07/how-to-help-victims-of-online-cyberbullying/