Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is the use of digital technologies to monitor, watch, contact, control, threaten, sabotage, isolate, or otherwise terrorize someone, or to damage someone’s credibility or reputation. Perpetrators may use computers, tablets, mobile devices, software, the internet, email, social media, messaging apps, smart home devices, recording devices, tracking devices, and/or other technology. Cyberstalking often co-occurs with in-person stalking or other forms of interpersonal violence like domestic, dating, or sexual violence. It may also be called online harassment, cyber harassment, digital harassment, digital abuse, or technology-facilitated stalking.
Prevalance
How does it happen?
Common types of cyberstalking include:
- excessive or unwanted calls, texts, or messages
- monitoring online activity
- monitoring a victim’s life through social media
- posting or sharing inappropriate or personal information, photos, or videos (or threats to do so)
- spying or monitoring with technology
- location tracking through a device or app
- demanding passwords to, or control of, online accounts
- impersonating a victim online
- hacking into online accounts (or threats to do so)
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.
An example log of documenting cyberstalking incidents.
Step-by-step guides for survivors and advocates to help secure common types of devices and accounts.
A comprehensive manual for advocates addressing cyber abuse created by the New York Cyber Abuse Task Force.
A checklist for beginning to safety plan for cyberstalking.