Cyberstalking
Dear Editor: January is Stalking Awareness Month. This year, SAFV staff has decided to share about cyberstalking, a pervasive form of stalking that refers to the use of the internet and technology to harass another person online. Experiencing cyberstalking can feel very scary and debilitating, especially when being stalked and harassed by someone who is very tech savvy.
Cyberstalking can happen directly or indirectly. They may directly email, text or send messages via social media threatening or harassing an individual and potentially their friends and family. Indirect stalking could include hacking into someone’s device to damage it or lock them out of it, or installing something on their device to monitor their digital behavior and/or steal data from the device. While the only way to fully stop this crime from occurring is for people not to cyberstalk, here are some tips to protect yourself online:
Create strong passwords; log yourself out of accounts every time; use increased security settings on email and social media such as two account verification; keep your devices in your possession at all times; do not use public wifi; use a separate email account for online activity such as social media and online shopping; do not accept friend requests on social media from people you do not know, and keep your posts set to private.
If you or someone you know is being cyberstalked, it is important to take action. Tell the person to stop, block them, consider getting a new email address or screen name.
Change your passwords, consider suspending accounts, and get your devices checked for tracking devices.
Visit https://stopstalkerware.org/information-for-survivors/ for more information on how to check your devices. Save as much evidence as you can, report the stalker to social media platforms if applicable, and contact the police.
For support accessing resources and safety planning, you can call SAFV and speak with an advocate at any hour of the day at (907) 747-3370 or text an advocate during waking hours at (907) 634-7820. To learn more information about cyberstalking, visit http://www.endtechabuse.org/resources/ or https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cyberstalking-5181466.
Natalie Wojcik,
Executive Director,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
