Cyberstalking

As technology has evolved so have the ways perpetrators exercise power and control over their victims. Cyberstalking is the method of using technology to stalk individuals. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) describes cyberstalking behaviors can look like:

​

• Persistently sending unwanted communication through the internet, such as spamming someone’s email inbox or social media platform

• Posting threatening or personal information about someone on public internet forums

• Video-voyeurism, or installing video cameras that give the stalker access to someone’s personal life

• Using GPS or other software tracking systems to monitor someone without their knowledge or consent

• Using someone’s computer and/or spyware to track their computer activity

​

Additional ways that perpetrators can abuse their victims is through live chats by abusing the victim directly or through electronic sabotage (for example, flooding the Internet chat channel to disrupt the victim’s conversation). Perpetrators can create postings about the victim or start rumors that spread through social media platforms. Perpetrators can also set up a web page or a fake social media profile on the victim with personal or fictitious information. Thus, discrediting the victim’s reputation and potentially leading to unwanted contacts from others. Much like other forms of domestic/intimate partner violence, cyberstalking takes place over a period of time and involves repeated, deliberate attempts to cause distress to the victim.

​

If you are being harassed on-line, Marshall University offers several things you should do:

​

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. Apps like Snapchat and others track your location, consider disabling GPS or utilizing "Ghost Mode".

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.

8. Minimize the use of cordless phones and baby monitors.
Turn these devices off if you do not want your conversation overheard. Use a corded telephone whenever you want your conversation to be more private.

9. Use a donated or new cell phone.
If the local rape crisis center or shelter provides cell phones or if you can obtain a new phone, do so. Consider the use of a prepaid phone or phone cards as well.

10. Ask about your records and date.
Many court systems and government agencies are publishing records to the Internet. Ask agencies about their policies regarding publishing and protection of victim records. Find out if there are ways that your records can be sealed or if access can be restricted in some way to protect your safety.

11. Get a private mailbox and don’t give out your real address.  

This will give you a safer address to give out to doctors, businesses, etc. Try to keep your actual address out of national databases.

12. Search for your name on the Internet.

This can help you determine what information is online and whether search engines have access to your contact information.

Become familiar with computer safety and ways to stay safe online. Here are some additional ways you can better protect yourself online:

​

• Use a gender-neutral screen name.

• Never give your password to anyone, especially if someone sends you an instant message (IM).

• Don’t provide your credit card number or other identifying information as proof of age to access or subscribe to a web site run by a company with which you are unfamiliar.

• Tell children not give out their real name, address, or phone number over the Internet without permission.

• Don’t give your primary e-mail address out to anyone you don’t know.

• Spend time on newsgroups, mailing lists, and chat rooms as a “silent” observer before speaking or posting messages.

• When you do participate on-line, only type what you would say to someone in person.

• Don’t respond to an e-mail from a stranger; when you reply, you are verifying your e-mail address to the sender.

• On a regular basis (at least once a month), type your name into Internet search engines to see what information, if any, pops up. To have your name removed from any directories, contact each search engine on which you are listed and request to be removed.