What to do if…
an ex keeps contacting you from new accounts with sexual messages after you blocked them
Short answer
Don’t respond—shift to “save a little + block + report.” If you feel unsafe or they threaten you, call 911, and consider confidential support from RAINN or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Do not do these things
- Don’t reply to “shut it down” or argue—any response can increase contact.
- Don’t try to “reason” with them in DMs, even if your message is clear.
- Don’t post public accusations or screenshots while you’re still being targeted (it can escalate and expose your info).
- Don’t delete everything in panic if you might want help later—save a minimal record first.
- Don’t assume repeated online contact can’t be dangerous; patterns can escalate.
What to do now
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Get to a steadier moment and reduce immediate exposure.
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, mute message requests, and step away from the app for a few minutes so you can act calmly. -
Adopt one rule: zero contact.
Do not respond at all from this point (including “stop”). If you’ve already told them to stop, you don’t need to repeat it. -
Save a minimal record (only if it feels safe).
Make one folder and capture:- screenshots showing the account name, message content, and date/time; and
- the profile link/URL/handle if available.
Keep it brief—enough to show repetition/pattern—then stop.
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Block and report each new account using the strongest in-app tools available to you.
- Report harassment/sexual content and attach the relevant message(s) where possible.
- If the platform has a setting that blocks the person’s future accounts (wording varies), use it.
- If it doesn’t, keep doing the repeatable loop: block + report + restrict who can message you (message requests/unknown senders filters, friends-only DMs, etc.).
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Make quick privacy changes that specifically cut off repeat access.
- Limit who can DM you, comment, tag you, or see your stories/online status.
- Remove phone/email discoverability where possible.
- If they keep finding you, consider a temporary username change and tighten follower/friend lists.
If you suspect your phone/accounts are monitored, make these changes from a safer device/account session first.
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If you feel in danger, call 911.
If they threaten harm, show up in person, share your private info, or you believe escalation is imminent, treat it as urgent. When you contact law enforcement, describe the pattern: blocked → new accounts → repeated sexual messages, with dates. -
Use confidential specialist support to plan next steps.
- RAINN offers free, confidential support (phone/chat/text) and can help you think through options.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline also offers confidential support and safety planning, including around technology-facilitated abuse.
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Tell one trusted person and set a practical boundary.
Example: “I’m not replying. If I get messages, I’m screenshotting and reporting—can you check in with me tonight?” This helps you stick to your plan and feel less alone.
What can wait
- You don’t need to decide right now about restraining/protective orders, pressing charges, or making a formal report.
- You don’t need to organise every message perfectly—just keep a basic pattern record.
- You don’t need to confront them or “prove” anything to anyone today.
- You don’t need to overhaul all your accounts tonight—make the smallest changes that reduce access first.
Important reassurance
Feeling disgusted, anxious, frozen, or embarrassed is a normal response to being targeted like this. You didn’t cause it. Choosing calm, repeatable steps—no contact, minimal record, block/report, get support—is protective and effective.
Scope note
This is first steps only—meant to reduce harm and buy time. If the behavior continues, a local advocate (or law enforcement if needed) can help you plan safer next steps without you having to handle it alone.
Important note
This is general information, not legal advice. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re worried your device/accounts are being monitored, consider using a safer device/network (for example, a trusted friend’s phone or a public computer) to contact support and to change passwords/security settings.
Additional Resources
- https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/
- https://rainn.org/learn-about-rainn/contact-us/
- https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/
- https://www.thehotline.org/what-to-expect-when-you-contact-us/
- https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/abuse-using-technology/all
- https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/abuse-using-technology/responding-technology-misuse-civil-and-criminal-options/how-can-i