Cyberstalking: Do you know when the line is crossed?
Cyberstalking remains a concern for internet users during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier this week, the BBC reported that former eBay executives were charged with cyberstalking. Now and then, news about cyberstalking can be found in the media. But, have you ever thought, in a world of social media and easy information online, when does someone's online activity cross the line and become a crime?
First, the term 'stalking', commonly known amongst social media users, has made its way into casual use where it can often mean following someone's activities online out of curiosity – not involving harassment or criminal activity. However, cyberstalking is something different: It is indeed a crime.
WHAT IS CYBERSTALKING?
Cyberstalking is an e-crime that involves harassment, intimidation, embarrassment, and often threatening behaviour. This form of online abuse can lead to offline stalking. According to the UK government, cyberstalking 'includes being followed or constantly harassed by another person - for example being sent unwanted emails'.
CYBERSTALKING CAN INCLUDE:
· Unwelcome emails, instant messages, and offensive material
· Unwanted phone calls
· Threats
· Sexual harassment
· Sharing or threatening to share personal information (photos, videos or any of your personal data)
· Impersonating your online identity through fake accounts
· False accusation, defamation and/or posting abusive comments about you on social media
· Unwelcome attention to your life and your family and or friends' lives
· Data destruction or data manipulation (e.g. a virus sent to a victim's devices)
· Monitoring the victim's online activity or physical location
These actions often cause victims to fear that they will suffer violent actions against them, harming their social trust and mental health. The National Centre for Cyberstalking Research revealed that 32% of cyberstalking victims also develop PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which, in general, affects 5% to 10% of the population.
In case you are still not sure if you are or someone you know is a victim, please check the Cyberstalking Action Plan and try to answer 12 risk assessment questions listed in the Stalking Risk Indicator's section.
VICTIM PROFILE:
According to the UN, in 2018, it was reported that women and girls were 27 times more likely to be harassed online than men. Harassment and hate speech online can lead to physical violence offline. Increased digitalisation, owing to the current global health crisis, has increased such threats. In the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics, the estimated number of victims of stalking was 1,472 from 16 to 74 years old. 65% of victims were women.
However, Dr Sheridan quoted at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust says that 'virtually anyone can become a victim of stalking and the only way to avoid doing so would be to avoid the social world'.
THE STALKER:
The stalker could be someone you know. Most of the time, it is someone the victim knows. Although this could be an ex-partner, a work colleague or an acquaintance, the cyberstalker could also be a stranger. In any case, cyberstalking enables the stalker to hide their identity using digital technologies.
There is also no typical length of time that someone will be stalked. Some victims have been stalked for years. Follow the steps below if you are concerned about being stalked.
For preventative tips, or what to do if you come across a cyberstalker, please check out our guide here.
NEED HELP?
Chat to our chatbot. Use the open chat window on the right of this page (or the bottom, if you are on a mobile). Our chatbot will ask you some questions and get you to summarise your issue. Once the chatbot has enough information, it will do some thinking and then match your issue to information about a known type of cyberattack. If you need further help, the chatbot will give you the option of speaking to one of our volunteers.
OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Other UK organisations specialise in supporting stalking victims. Consider speaking to one of the following organisations to get the help and support you need.