Cyberstalking – does it really exist? Yes, it exists. Is it a new phenomena, lamentably no.
Cyberstalking has been a factor for more than 10 years and is the unfortunate natural extension of physical stalking and in some cases has supplanted the physical stalking as it provides for less risk of discovery to the perpetrator. It truly is a travesty, as there isn’t a state within the United States which doesn’t recognize the crime of physical stalking. Each state has a process, legislature or statute and procedures in place to protect the victims and forestall the individual doing the stalking with restraining orders and the like. Electronic harassment or cyberstalking is another story.
In 1999, then Vice President Gore received a report from the Department of Justice, “Cyberstalking: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement and Industry.” The report discusses at length the challenge, the victims, the breadth of the issue and makes recommendations. Upon reading the report, Vice President Gore got it right when he firmly stated, “Make no mistake: this kind of harassment can be as frightening and as real as being followed and watched in your neighborhood or in your home. Accurate words in 1999, accurate words in 2009. Please take the time to read the report, sadly your mind will quickly forget it was presented in 1999 and traverse forward ten years to 2009 noting how little has changed. The threat remains, the technologies continue to provide challenges to both individuals and law enforcement alike in thwarting this insidious crime.
What has changed, fortunately, as noted in my prior post, per National Council of State Legislatures has identified 46 of 50 US states as have passed legislation addressing the particulars of the electronic world, as an adjunct to existing legislation used to protect individuals within the physical world (Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico still lack specific legislation). These are great steps toward bringing a stop to the crime, but it still isn’t enough.
What worries me is the chasm in our society in recognizing the crime of stalking, even in the physical world. In August 2009 the Department of Justice says that during a recent 12-month period, 3.4 million people ages 18 or older were victims of stalking. The US census bureau estimated the population of the United States aged 18-64 in 2008 at 191,250,000 therefore 1.7% of the population demographic has been stalked, astounding.
Thus with 3.4 million persons having experienced stalking, I find it hard to believe there are still individuals who ascribe culpability to the victims. Let me touch on a recent high profile stalking case, that of Ms. Erin Andrews. My stomach literally did a somersault when I learned some were attempting to rationalize away the victim’s complete innocence and ascribing culpability to Ms. Andrews. While I was nauseated, I found I wasn’t alone. Tracee Hamilton, a reporter from the Washington Post articulated with perfection in her opinion piece, “Columnist Reflects on Stalking Case,” the realities and hopefully snapped-to those who “just don’t get it” with respect to the fact, victims don’t asked to be stalked.
So during National Cyber Security Awareness Month, October 2009, has there been any instances in the news of cyberstalking? Unfortunately yes.
- Black Diamond, WA – Police Seek Cyber Stalker – Text messages evolved to death threats
- Graham, NC – Man, 42, charged with cyberstalking – Computer communication w/14 yr old girl.
- Goldengale, WA – Hospital CEO cited for cyberstalking for an event in May 2009
- Morganton, NC – Woman cited for cyberstalking
Resources, do exist:
- U.S. National Network to End Domestic Violence (they have compiled a most comprehensive “data collection check list” (pdf file) to increase victim safety and privacy)
- Wired Safety (a comprehensive website)
- U.S. National Center for Victims of Crime (a comprehensive website)
- Survivors in Action (a comprehensive website) (NB: I am on the advisory board of Survivors in Action)
We can all do a little to make it harder for stalkers, and to be both sympathetic and helpful to those who are victims.
Thank you for your time.
All the best,
Christopher