Cyberstalking/Online Harassment

What is online harassment?

Online harassment is deliberate, persistent, & methodical communication that disturbs the recipient. The messages DO NOT have to be threatening (overtly or otherwise), or from someone who knows you.

Online harassment messages become constant, filled with disturbing and inappropriate content, and do not cease even after you request no further contact.

Some examples of online harassment & cyberstalking are:

What is cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking is an escalation of online harassment where an individual "follows" another around the Internet. This may include sending emails and IM's, showing up in chat rooms, newsgroups and/or websites when the victim is using them.

What is harassment?

Someone disagreeing with you is NOT harassment, even if they strongly disagree. Harassment is the intentional crossing of someone's emotional or physical safety boundaries (Hitchcock, 2001).

What can I do if I am being cyberstalked or harassed online?

Tell the person harassing you in straightforward terms, "Leave me alone, stop harassing me. Do not contact me again." If you are in IM, ICQ, or IRC, logoff immediatelyand stay offline for at least 24 hours.
After telling the person to leave you alone, DO NOT REPLY to anything the harasser says. It is best not to reply to emails, taunts, or lies. Harasment is a form of power over you, if you take away that power, you are more in charge of the situation.
Save, print, and keep in a folder all emails, (including all full headers), IMs, and exchanges that originate from the harasser or stalker and any replies you have sent as evidence. Need more information on full headers? Visit www.haltabuse.org.
In the case of Email harassment, contact the harasser's Internet Service Provider (at VT, abuse@vt.edu) and make a complaint.
Make sure to remove online profiles that contain personal identifying information.
Stay out of chat rooms that make you feel uncomfortable.
Stalkers generally lose interest if they don't get the reactions they seek; therefore, try not to give them the reaction they want!
If you ever feel that you are in physical danger from the stalker, or the stalker knows where you live or has made physical threats against you, call the police immediately!!
If you are unsure if you are being stalked or harassed online, please consider contacting Judicial Affairs or the Women's Center for free, confidential support.

Tips to stay safe online

Use a gender-neutral screen name.
Do not post personal information about you, such as age, address, phone number, school attended, or where you work on your profile or away message.
Create a free e-mail account such as YAHOO! or Hotmail to use for mailing lists, chat rooms, IMs, & filling out online forms.
Never say anything online that you would not say in person.
Check out the postings on newsgroups, mailing lists, & chat rooms before speaking or posting a message.
Familiarize yourself with the University Policy for Student Life and with the VT computer policy, available at www.security.vt.edu

Removing your personal information on Virginia Tech's directory...

If you would like your VT directory information (PeopleFinder) confidential, you must take your Hokie passport to the Registrar's Office (New Student Services Building) and fill out a request.

Download Cyberstalking Brochure (PDF)

Information adapted from George Mason University Sexual Assault Services, (2001) Jayne A. Hitchcock (2001) cyberstalking expert, whoa@haltabuse.org.

Grant statement: This project was supported by grant # 2001-WA-BX-0001 awarded by the Violence Against Women Office, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of View in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.