Cyberstalking (also called "Internet stalking") is the name assigned to stalking behavior that is conducted not in person, but via electronic means. It might include:
- Sending unwanted e-mails, instant messages or even text messages
- Posting information about the target online
- Pretending to be someone else in e-mails, Internet forums or bulletin boards
- Instigating personal attacks from forum or web site members
- Other forms of abusive electronic communication.
The problem is that no universal cyberstalking definition exists, according to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). This means that law enforcement agencies are not coordinated in their efforts to stop Internet stalking and that cyberstalking laws are not yet well-formed. Unfortunately, many victims never see justice because the law has yet to catch up with technology.
How and Why Does Cyberstalking Occur?
Methods of cyberstalking vary, which means that no case is identical to any other, though there may be similarities. According to the DOJ, there is no difference between Internet stalking and "traditional" stalking except for the mediums used, and just because there is no physical contact does not mean it shouldn't be taken seriously.
The precise methods of cyberstalking will depend on whether or not the victim and harasser know one another. Some incidents of cyberstalking occur because the victim is prominent online (such as through a blog) or because two individuals happen to "meet" in a chat room. There is no physical connection and therefore the cyberstalker only knows what he or she has been able to discern online.
In other cases, the victim and cyberstalker know one another in person, but the harasser has chosen the Internet as his or her medium because it is more anonymous. Cyberstalkers know that they are less likely to be caught if they remain hidden behind screen names and untraceable IP addresses.
Once the cyberstalker has fixated on a victim, the methods of cyberstalking may escalate. For example, he or she might send hundreds of e-mails per day or actually pretend to be his or her victim when conversing with others online. Some stalkers have been known to set up fake profiles and e-mail accounts for this purpose.
What are the Dangers of Cyberstalking?
Unfortunately, regardless of what methods of cyberstalking are used, this problem can affect many different aspects of the victim's life. For example, the stalker might discover where his or her victim works and send messages to the victim's boss. He or she might harass friends or acquaintances of the victim or even family members.
Eventually, some Internet stalking cases escalate beyond the web. Emboldened by his or her success online, the stalker might find out where his or her victim lives and begin "traditional" stalking methods. Some of these cases unfortunately culminate in physical violence.
Are There Laws Against Cyberstalking?
In recent years, law enforcement agencies in many jurisdictions have passed laws regarding Internet stalking. However, even when laws exist to punish perpetrators, finding the stalkers is often more difficult than with "traditional" stalking.
Internet stalking is not limited to one jurisdiction. A man in California, for example, can easily stalk a woman in New York via the Internet, and multi-jurisdictional cases are much more difficult to both investigate and prosecute.
With that said, victims should not avoid reporting incidents of cyberstalking. The key to these types of cases, according to the DOJ, is establishing a paper trail. If victims record all methods of cyberstalking for the police and file reports, stalkers are much more likely to face the consequences of their actions.
How to Stop a Cyberstalker
Victims of abusive electronic communication should identify cyberstalking and take the appropriate measures to stop it. Unfortunately, it is often more difficult to stop a cyberstalker than the victim originally expects.
Again, filing a police report is the first logical step. Victims should retain copies of all abusive correspondence in a file and keep a written log, including the date, time and nature of the communication.
It is also a good idea for victims to seek assistance from an advocacy group, such as CyberAngels. These groups are experienced in counseling and providing support for victims of violence, whether physical or virtual. Of course, any victim who experiences psychological symptoms should see a mental health professional immediately for additional guidance.
Source:
Attorney General, Cyberstalking: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement and Industry, United States Department of Justice, August 1999
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