How to Avoid Being Stalked in Cyberspace

In a overall perspective cyberspace stalking has the same results as physical stalking, it can cause psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, insomnia and even causing you to loose your employment. This article is here to help you recognize cyberspace stalking, under what cyberspace stalking is, and how to prevent it from happening.

Things You'll Need

• Filtering program such as CA security services via internet.
• A blacklist log file on your computer to store harassment evidence.
• A neutral screen name.
• A sense of websites that have privacy and security guidelines.
• Contact information for The National Crime Prevention Council (can be found in resource section).

Instructions

1. 

   What is Cyber-stalking and how is it similar to Physical stalking?

   Cyber-stalking is a serious crime where someone who uses the internet, email or other forms of electronic communication devices to constantly threaten and harass another person. The similarities of cyber-stalking and physical stalking boil down to most victims are women and most of the stalkers are men, the victim usually knows the stalker, and the stalker' s motivation for these crimes are based on wanting to control the victim.

2. 

   How is Physical stalking different than Cyber-stalking?

   The major difference in stalking definitions are quite obvious, with cyber-stalking the victim and stalker can be located in different geographic areas. Most threats and harassments are conduct via internet, email and/or electronic communication devices. The stalker can encourage other internet users to assist them with the stalking habits.

   Cyber-stalking like physical stalking can lead to physical violence such as: suffering from psychological trauma often resulting in anxiety, depression, insomnia, and people often loose their jobs.

   No less the lack of direct contact with the stalker and victim can make it that more difficult for the law enforcement to step in.

3. 

   What Can I Do if I am Being Cyber-stalked?

   If the victim is under 18 years of age, it is advised to contact the parents or an adult about the situation as soon as possible. The victim life could be at risk if actions go unreported.

   Use a filtering email program where you can block emails from a specfic user; this goes the same for social networks, chat rooms, etc.

   Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and inform them of the situation, if your ISP is not responsive of the situation at hand manually change all your login information.

   Make sure to keep a log of all communications from the stalker, do not alter the documents at all you will need this information for evidence against your stalker. It is wise to create on your PC a blacklist folder where all documents can be stored.

   Stand your ground and inform your stalker you wish to be left alone.

   If your stalker does not let up contact your local police department (Non-911 telephone number), and explain your situation to them.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a list of safe sites that you have visited who enforce anti-harassment policies).

• Understand no circumstances give out any personal information about yourself to people you do not know.

• When speaking online, be sure to type in phrases the same way you would speak to a person face to face.

• Never use a screen name that someone can identify you by such as your real name, your nickname, or any name that is too "suggestive".

• Be cautious if you chose to meet someone in person from an online encounter, do not go alone and meet in a public place.

• If you come across an experience with an individual online that is unpleasant or scares you, log off of you internet access immediately. When you sign back on report the person to the site you were visiting.

Resources

• The National Crime Prevention Council
• The National Crime Prevention Council Email
• How to Have Safe Online Networking for Children