Cyberstalking

Cyberstalking refers to the use of the Internet, e-mail, or other telecommunication technologies to harass or stalk another person. It is not the mere annoyance of unsolicited e-mail. It is methodical, deliberate, and persistent. The communications, whether from someone known or unknown, do not stop even after the recipient has asked the sender to cease all contacts, and are often filled with inappropriate, and sometimes disturbing, content. Cyberstalking is an extension of the physical form of stalking.

It is estimated that there may potentially be tens or even hundreds of thousands of cyberstalking victims in the United States. A cyberstalker only needs access to a computer and a modem. Due to the enormous amount of personal information available through the Internet, a cyberstalker can easily locate private information about a potential victim with a few mouse clicks or key strokes. Information is power, and stalking of any kind is about power and control. There is little security on-line. Turning on a computer can expose anyone to harassment. Everyone who receives e-mail or uses the Internet is susceptible to cyberstalking.

Cyberstalkers use a variety of techniques. They may initially use the Internet to identify and track their victims. They may then send unsolicited e-mails, including hate, obscene or threatening mail. Live chat harassment abuses the victim directly or through electronic sabotage (for example, flooding the Internet chat channel to disrupt the victim’s conversation). With newsgroups, the cyberstalker can create postings about the victim or start rumors that spread through the bulletin board system. A cyberstalker may also set up a web page on the victim with personal or fictitious information or solicitations to readers. Another technique is to assume the victim’s persona on-line, such as in chat rooms, for the purpose of discrediting the victim’s reputation, posting details about the victim, or soliciting unwanted contacts from others. Cyberstalking is a course of conduct that takes place over a period of time and involves repeated, deliberate attempts to cause distress to the victim.

 Several things to do  when being Harassed 

1.  Trust your instincts.If you suspect that someone knows too much about you and/or your activities, it is possible that you are being monitored.

2.  Plan for Safety.Advocates at your local rape crisis center or domestic violence shelter are available to help you develop a safety plan. You can also use national hotlines such as 1-800-656-HOPE, the National Sexual Assault Hotline or a website such as www.fris.org  or www.rainn.org .

3.  Be extra cautious if your abuser is very technologically savvy.
Again trust your instincts. You may want to talk to an advocate or to the police.

4.  Use a safer computer.If you suspect that your computer is compromised, use a computer at the public library, church, or a community center.

5.  Create a new email account(s).Look for free web-based email accounts. Use an anonymous name and don’t provide much information in the profiles that an abuser could use to find you.

6.  Check your cell phone settings.Consider turning it off when not in use. If your phone has GPS enabled, consider turning it off.

7.  Change passwords and pin numbers.Use gender neutral passwords. Try to avoid using birth dates, numbers or phrases that your abuser may recognize. Don’t give your passwords to anyone and keep them in a safe, not easily accessed place.

Added by : Marshall University