No More Hiding Behind the Keyboard: Experiences of Victims of Cyber Stalking with the Criminal Justice System

• In Event: Roundtable: Victimization

Abstract

The Internet, e-mail, cellular phones, and other forms of technology may be used in order to track individuals and monitor their activities. Perpetrators of this crime, cyber stalking, may choose to remain anonymous while maintaining a safe distance from their victims. The anonymity afforded through technology provides numerous challenges to victims, law enforcement officers, and prosecutors. While proving which devices were used in these crimes may be possible, proving that the suspects in question were utilizing the devices themselves may be extremely difficult. This study focuses on the experiences of victims of cyber stalking while working with law enforcement. Victims of cyber stalking discuss the challenges faced while trying to prove who has harassed them digitally. The victims speak about the methods utilized by their cyber stalkers, the outcomes of reaching out to law enforcement, and experiences with prosecution. This study also provides suggestions for improved statutes on cyber stalking and ways for law enforcement officers and prosecutors to better assist victims.

Author

• Trisha Lyn Whitmire, University of Central Florida