London, March 11 (IANS): Singer Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who has been a victim of online abuse since she went public with her relationship with One Direction singer Liam Payne, has hit out at her haters on the web.

She posted on Instagram a photograph which read, "Girls compete with each other, women empower one another", reports mirror.co.uk. 

"It can be so hard at times being a girl, for so many reasons! But we don't have to make it harder for each other. Why do we still feel the need to do that? I don't understand it," Fernandez-Versini captioned her post. 

"I have always been a 'girls girl', and love other strong women. That is why I surround myself with them, and that is why I try to empower others. Trying to pull another person down, only speaks volumes about your character," she added. 

The post comes after another drama-filled week for the couple, who enjoyed a very public date here. 

Joined by Fernandez-Versini's mother Joan, the couple hit a restaurant on Wednesday evening in matching black outfits.