In Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, online violence presents heightened and complex risks due to social stigma, limited legal frameworks, and the potential for severe offline consequences. Survivors, particularly women, girls, and children, may not only face digital harm but also serious offline consequences such as social exclusion, family retaliation, or honor-based violence. In this context, how cases are handled directly impacts survivor safety and protection outcomes.

This practitioner’s guide is designed for case managers, frontline responders, and protection actors working within GBV and child protection systems. It provides practical, field-oriented guidance to support safe, coordinated, and effective responses to cases of online violence.

The guide offers structured support across key areas of response, including case management processes, risk assessment and safety planning, mental health and psychosocial support, digital risk management, and engagement with law enforcement. It also introduces practical tools and mechanisms, such as platform-based reporting systems and trusted partners for content removal and case escalation.

Developed by SEED, in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Iraq National Online Violence Task Force, the guide complements existing GBV and child protection standard operating procedures by providing specialized, survivor-centered and rights-based approaches tailored to digital harm.

By strengthening frontline capacity, this resource supports safer, faster, and more coordinated responses, ultimately improving protection outcomes for survivors.