No More Hiding Behind the Keyboard: Experiences of Victims of Cyberstalking

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

The digital age has opened up opportunities for criminals, or otherwise law-abiding citizens, to engage in activities that infringe on the privacy of others. Social media, GPS, geo-tagging, and a variety of other mediums are being used in order to uncover the whereabouts and activities of other people. Technology, while beneficial in many aspects, causes problems for law enforcement and opens the door for criminal behavior. One crime in particular has been growing exponentially with advances in technology: cyberstalking.
In order to gain a better understanding of cyberstalking victimization, this study provides both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of cyberstalking cases. Victims of cyberstalking who reported their victimizations to law enforcement were surveyed and interviewed about their cyberstalking experiences. Additionally, law enforcement officers and prosecutors with cyberstalking case experience were interviewed in order to examine the barriers in these cases.
The current study provides insight into the victim’s experiences of cyberstalking, the law enforcement and prosecutorial responses to these crimes, and the various methods used by perpetrators to stalk victims using technology. This study seeks to assist law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and policy makers in better supporting victims of cyberstalking and increasing rates of prosecution for offenders.

Author

• Trisha Whitmire, University of Central Florida