Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is the use of digital technologies to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. It often co-occurs with in-person stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence like domestic, dating, or sexual violence.
Prevalance
How does it happen?
Cyberstalking involves a pattern of behavior that uses technology to track, intimidate, or distress another person. This might look like:
- Sending repeated, unwanted messages or emails
- Monitoring someone’s online activity or tracking their location
- “Hacking” into accounts by guessing passwords, security questions, or manipulating account recovery flows
- Posting false or malicious information about the person online
Cyberstalking is often persistent and invasive, and it can cause emotional distress or fear.
Laws
Almost all states and territories have laws against cyberstalking, although the scope of the statute and elements of the crime vary by jurisdiction. Even if a state does not have an explicit provision against cyberstalking, tech-facilitated stalking behaviors may be implicitly covered under state law. See our map of state laws for more detailed information.
What To Do
If you or someone you know is a target of cyberstalking, you are not alone. Explore curated resources related to cyberstalking from our resource library below. You can also visit NRCC partner the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center for information, but note they do not provide direct victim support.
Resources
Need immediate help with cyberstalking? Explore curated resources below and see more in our resource library.
A sample chart for documenting cyberstalking incidents.
Step-by-step guides for survivors and advocates to help secure common types of devices and accounts.
A guide to detecting and disabling potential Bluetooth trackers.
A checklist for beginning to safety plan for cyberstalking.