Today marks the anniversary of Caroline Flack - her death sparked the global “Be Kind” movement.

But years later, online abuse is not decreasing. It is escalating.

As someone who has campaigned publicly on issues of trauma, medical neglect and systemic failures, I have experienced firsthand how quickly the narrative shifts when a survivor reacts to abuse.

When someone is targeted online, the abuse is minimised.

When that person responds, sets a boundary, or defends themselves - their reaction becomes the headline.

Tone is policed.

Emotion is dissected.

The trauma response becomes the controversy.

Meanwhile, the original harm fades into the background.

There is something deeply troubling about how society responds to abuse in digital spaces. What I find most mind-blowing is how people will “sit on the fence,” claim they “don’t want to get involved,” and yet continue to like, share and follow content creators after witnessing them abuse others.

Worse again, there are instances where known predators and abusers continue to receive public support, engagement and platform growth - while those who speak out are scrutinised and socially punished.

Silence is framed as neutrality.

But algorithms do not recognise neutrality.

Engagement is currency.

If we truly stand for kindness, then it must include accountability.

We cannot continue to punish survivors for reacting while protecting or platforming those who harm.

Trauma responses are not PR statements. They are nervous systems responding to perceived threat.

This conversation is directly linked to why I campaign for systemic change. Whether it is in healthcare, law, safeguarding or online spaces - the pattern is the same:

Abuse occurs.

The survivor reacts.

The reaction is judged.

The system protects itself.

This needs to change.

Kindness must move beyond hashtags. It must translate into responsible engagement, critical thinking, and the courage to withdraw support from harmful behaviour.

If you believe in accountability, informed consent, and survivor protection - please continue to support and share this petition.

Change only happens when we refuse to normalise harm.