Jennifer Perry
When technology is used to harass and stalk someone the consequences can be devastating, even deadly, for victims. I look at the technology risks for victims of stalking, domestic violence and how to reduce them.
I've created this website as a resource for victims and professionals working with stalking and domestic violence victims. It has the latest news, research and advice on technology used by perpetrators against victims.
I recently wrote the national guidelines Digital Stalking: A Guide to Technology Risks for Victims that were issued by Network for Surviving Stalking and Women's Aid.
I am the Cyberstalking spokesperson for the Network for Surviving Stalking and I advise the National Stalking Helpline and Action Scotland Against Stalking
Cyberstalking
The term cyberstalking refers to a victim that is being abused online, but isn't being stalked in the offline world.
The abuse will take place in social networks, online forums, Twitter, instant messaging or via chat. The stalker may use websites to post offensive material, create fake profiles or even make a dedicated website about the victim. They may sign the victim up to numerous websites, promotional material or place false ads using the victim's email address and phone number.
It still considered cyberstalking if the abuse is via mobile phone. Smart phones have many features like instant messaging that allows user to create groups and spread gossip quickly about a victim. Inundating victims with text or voicemail is one of the most common tactics.
The stalker's objective is to gather information about the victim, harass, humiliate, ruin their reputation or damage their relationships.
Digitally assisted stalking
Today, most stalking now includes a "cyber" or technology aspect. Stalkers who stalk off line will usually assist their activities with some form of technology as a tool e.g. mobile phones, social networks, computers or geolocation tracking. This can be characterised as "digitally assisted stalking", as opposed to cyberstalking.
However, like cyberstalkers, the abuser will use a many different types of technology to torment their victims. They may also use GPS tracking devices on a victim's car. If they have or have had access to the victims mobile phone, they can install spyware that allows them not only to track the victim, but use the victim's own mobile to listen into conversations or see what is going on via the camera.
The technology
The technology that is available to stalkers can be free, or cost up to £150 for a GPS tracking device for a car.
Social networks provide a valuable, free source of information for stalkers. A friends list gives the abuser a list of people to contact, try to add them on their friends list or simply look at their Facebook wall and photos for information about the victim.
Another, cheap and easy way for a stalker to access information is to put computer spyware on the victim's PC. It costs less £35 and is as easy to install as sending the victim an email.
Mobile phone spyware requires the stalker to have, or had, access to the victim's phone. This means victims being stalked by ex-partners are risk from this type of spyware. Stalking behaviour often starts before the relationship breaks down so an abuser often has access to the victim's mobile prior to them being separated.
It isn't only that this technology is inexpensive, it is easy to find. A quick online search such as "spy on a computer", "locate my phone" or "track my wife" provides a potential stalker with a list of products.
A search for "spy equipment" shows retailers selling GPS trackers, listening devices, small spy cameras etc. Stalkers by their nature are persistent and will often find the time, money and learn the skills to use technology against their victims.
See Victim Advice