Stalking and Tech-Based Stalking or Harassment

Please click on any of the subject headings below for information about stalking.

What Is Stalking?
Tech-Based Stalking
If You are Being Stalked
If You Have Been Victimized
Online Resources

What Is Stalking?

Stalking can be difficult to identify at first. Initially a victim may not feel there is any cause for alarm and may feel flattered by the attention. If the behavior escalates and becomes more overt, this may present a real threat to the victim. The victim must tell the stalker not to contact him or her again before the behavior will be considered stalking. A person can be charged with stalking for willfully and repeatedly:

Following or appearing within the sight of another person without that person’s permission.
Confronting another individual in a public or private place.
Appearing at the work place or residence of another.
Contacting by phone, Internet, or sending mail.

The most important thing to know about stalking is that it is never the victim’s fault. Anyone can be a victim of stalking. Dating and domestic violence survivors can be victims of stalking. Domestic stalkers often use threats that only the victim will recognize. 8% of women have been stalked in their lifetime. 2% of stalking cases end in murder. Many cases start or end as sexual assault.

Stalking is a Crime

Stalking is one person’s harassing, obsessive or threatening behavior towards another person. Any repetitive, unwanted contact between a stalker and a victim or any behavior that threatens or places fear in that person constitutes stalking. Each state defines stalking by its state legal statutes. In Virginia, stalking became a crime in 1992, and a law against Cyberstalking, also called Harassment by Computer, was enacted in 2000. The sad truth is that no one can promise a victim that the stalker will not find him or her. In spite of their best efforts, it is impossible for law enforcement officials and the court system to guarantee the complete safety of a victim.

Stalkers Can Be Anyone

A stalker can be a stranger, another student, a co-worker, an ex (boyfriend or girlfriend), or a spouse. Stalkers can be male or female. Stalkers tend to have a high intelligence level and

They know the stalking laws.
They know how to skirt the law.
They have a history of failed relationships.
They are obsessed with their intended victim.

Stalking Statistics

2/3 of stalkers pursue their victims at least once per week, many daily.
78% of stalkers use more than one means of approach.
Weapons are used to harm or threaten victims in 1 out of 5 cases.
Almost 1/3 of stalkers have stalked before.
In 15% of incidents, the victim reported that the stalker either threatened or attempted to harm them.
In 10% of incidents, the victim reported that the stalker forced or attempted sexual contact.
1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime.
77% of female victims and 64% of male victims know their stalker.
59% of female victims and 30% of male victims are stalked by an intimate partner.
81% of women stalked by a current or former intimate partner are also physically assaulted by that partner. 31% are also sexually assaulted by that partner.
The average duration of stalking is 1.8 years. If stalking involves intimate partners, the average duration of stalking increases to 2.2 years.
The prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression is much higher among stalking victims than the general population, especially if the stalking involves being followed or having one’s property destroyed.

Campus Stalking

The college campus is a stalker’s dream. It is a closed environment and it is easy to learn a student’s schedule. A student’s movements are predictable and access to residences as well as academic buildings may be easy for the stalker.

13% of college women were stalked during one six- to nine-month period.
80% of campus stalking victims knew their stalkers.
3 in 10 college women reported being injured emotionally or psychologically as a result of stalking.

Stay Safe on Campus

Never leave your door unlocked or open – even if you are inside the room. This is also true off campus.
Be cautious of tutors. Do not answer blind ads for tutoring sessions. Use tutors recommended by the professor, academic department, or learning services. Never meet a tutor alone in your room. Always arrange to meet in a public place, such as the library or computer lab.
Ask the registrar to put a freeze on your personal information.
Be mindful of how you share your information online. The web is never anonymous.

Select privacy options for profiles, e-mail, web-communities, and other on-line activities. Not all personal information is necessary.
Maintain separate school/business and personal e-mail accounts. Use free e-mail services like hotmail and Yahoo! for miscellaneous web activities.
Never share your password with anyone.
Create gender-neutral names for your accounts. (Ex. ssmith@mail.com instead of SallySmith@mail.com)
Lurk before joining chat rooms and other web-based communities, and before speaking, posting messages, sharing photos, or journals.
Only post information that is already available in the public domain; put your best face forward.
Secure your access. Never leave your laptop or PC unattended or in an unlocked room. Computer hardware/software like keystroke logging, spyware, webcams, cell phone cameras, GPS (global positioning system) –gives stalkers access to your database and open the window to your personal life.
Use caution, save all suspicious messages, e-mails, and comments. Ignore, block, and deny users unknown to you. Trust your instincts!

Other tools a stalker uses on college campuses are the telephone, peers, fitness centers, clubs, and advertising for models. Always be cautious.

Tech-Based Stalking

Technology-based stalking is stalking the employs technology to stalk a victim: to suggest/state something illegal, immoral, indecent, obscene, lewd, or threatening with intent to intimidate, harass, coerce. Stalkers may rely solely on technology-based stalking to pursue a victim, or may use technology as one element of a larger stalking behavior.

"Make no mistake: this kind of harassment can be as frightening and as real as being followed and watched in your neighborhood or in your home."
-Vice President Al Gore

Many people take stalking, especially technology-based stalking lightly. They do not see this behavior as scary, or think it is as threatening as stalking in the “real” world. However, as more and more of our interactions (personal, professional, and academic) rely on technology, technology-based stalking becomes very real, and may have a significant impact on how victims are able to go about their everyday lives.

A Comparison of Offline and Online Stalking

Major Similarities

Majority of cases involve stalking by former acquaintances and intimates, although stranger stalking occurs in the real world and in cyberspace.
Stalkers are generally motivated by the desire to control the victim.
Most victims are women; most stalkers are men.

Major Differences

Offline stalking generally requires the perpetrator and the victim to be located in the same geographic area; cyberstalkers may be located across the street or across the country.
Electronic communications technologies make it much easier for a cyberstalker to encourage third parties to harass and/or threaten a victim (e.g., impersonating the victim and posting inflammatory messages to bulletin boards and in chat rooms, causing viewers of that message to send threatening messages back to the victim "author.")
Electronic communications technologies also lower the barriers to harassment and threats; a cyberstalker does not need to physically confront the victim.

Examples of technology used by stalkers include: Message boards, Social networks, IM, Email, keystroke logging hardware and software, intercepting email, online impersonation or identity theft, cameras, telephones, Global Positioning Systems ( GPS), and access to databases.

Types of harassment victims may experience include: unwanted/unsolicited email or Instant Messaging (IM), phone calls, texts, and images. Disturbing messages on newsgroups or bulletin boards, Unsolicited communications about your co-workers, friends and acquaintances, offline communication like paper mail or phone calls.

Computer hardware/software

Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear information viewed on the Internet from your computer. If you are being stalked or are in a relationship with a controlling partner, tracking your internet usage is an excellent way for that person to see what you are doing or planning. Please click here for more information about ways to maintain a safe online presence. CHECK LINK

Keystroke logging system

Keystroke logging system is a hardware device that is plugged into the back of a computer or inside the keyboard for the purpose of recording everything that the target types into his/her computer.
It is very unlikely the stalking target will see the keystroke logging system and it is difficult to find and remove if the target becomes suspicious.
Stalking targets often use the computer to get information about stalking and to contact people in order to make plans to escape the threat that is created by the stalking. If the target’s computer has the keystroke logging system, the stalker is then able to become informed about any plans of escape.

Keystroke logging software

Keystroke logging software is a type of software that makes a record of everything the user types into a computer. This includes word processing, emails, and Internet sites visited.
This software is legal and publicly available, however, it is illegal to use this software to harass or eavesdrop.

Spyware

Spyware is one of the most common brands of computer monitoring software
It can be installed onto a computer without an easily accessible record of installation.
This program is advertised as a way to check on what one’s spouse and children are doing on the Internet.
This software can be purchased for approximately $60.00.

Helpful links (Please note these links take you to outside sources.)

Intercepting Email

Emails have been intercepted when someone other than the intended audience intentionally receives and reads it.
Even deleted emails that are still on the server in a deleted email folder can be accessed.
Information the stalker gains by reading the emails can add to what the stalker knows about the target. This information also provides additional information about the target’s actions and location and allows the stalker access to private thoughts and feelings.
The ability of a stalker to read emails sent and received by the target makes it difficult for targets to email another individual about their suspicions of being stalked and/or their plans to leave the relationship or to take legal action.
If email needs to be carefully erased so that it is not found, the additional time involved might limit the extent to which the target is able to plan for personal safety.
Information on how to permanently delete data from your hard drive. This link takes you to an outside source.

Impersonation (email, chat, and Internet postings)

When the stalker pretends to be the target, this is impersonation.

Online chat and message postings ask for a name or email address and the stalker can provide the target’s information rather than his/her own so anything the stalker says or does online is then credited to the target.
Postings on the Internet can be used to solicit other people to assault or contact the target if the stalker posts the telephone number, address, email address, or other personal information about the target.
Those doing background checks for hiring purposes may find false information that the stalker posts about the target.
See the Federal Trade Commission’s website on identity theft. Note this link takes you to an outside source.

Telephones

Students, faculty and staff periodically report to police incidents of harassing or obscene telephone calls. These calls come from both on-campus and off-campus locations and originate for a variety of motives. The university police actively investigate such complaints. Criminal and/or University charges can result with appropriate sanctions. Your awareness and cooperation is essential in combating this form of victimization. Many people take telephone harassment lightly but this form of victimization can be every bit as terrifying and The accompanying information will hopefully assist you in the unwelcome event of annoying telephone calls of an obscene or harassing nature. Commonwealth of Virginia Laws.

Corded telephones, pay telephones and public telephones

Corded telephones, such as pay telephones and other public telephones are safer than home telephones because the phone bill is not sent to the home and, consequently, a call list is not available to the stalker.
Due to the simplicity of corded telephones and because each call is paid for individually, it is more difficult for a stalker to redial on a corded telephone.

Cordless telephones

Cordless telephones are phones that are used in a home, office, or public location that are not linked by a cord to the outlet itself.
Cordless telephones are less secure than corded telephones because these telephones need to transmit the conversation to the system that links to the telephone jack in the wall.
The transmission can be intercepted and the conversation listened to during the interception.

Cellular telephones

Cellular telephones are the least secure type of telephone because their location can be easily tracked.
A stalker can listen in on a conversation with very little effort because the information from the phone has to be passed through a satellite and is, therefore, widely projected.
The same information can be heard by someone other than the two participants on the call without the call itself being interrupted or influenced.
Cell phones are the easiest to get a list of incoming and outgoing calls from the service provider because all calls are listed on the monthly bill.
Stalkers can purchase police scanners that easily pick up cellular telephone use, especially those using an analog network to trace the location of the target.
AT&T has a service that for a small fee can locate a cell phone and thus the target. Stalkers can use this information to know who the target has contacted.
If you believe you are being stalked using your cell phone or home line contact your service provider from a pay phone or a friend’s phone about getting a new line, phone number, or phone.

How to Handle Annoying, Harassing, or Obscene Telephone Calls

At the first indication that it is a harassing phone call follow these procedures:

Click here for instructions on handling harassing or threatening phone calls on a campus phone line
To hand harassing or threatening phone calls from an off campus telephone, check with your provider to see what services are offered.

Here are few ideas from the National Crime Prevention Councilthat may help to prevent a repeat call:

Hang up. If the caller doesn't respond when you answer the phone (heavy breathing, silence). At the first utterance of an obscene or threatening word. If the person calling refuses to identify himself.
Keep cool. Don't let the caller know you are upset. Just hang up; do not slam the receiver down.
Don't try to be clever. A witty response may well be interpreted as a sign of encouragement.
Don't play detective. Don't extend the call trying to figure out who is calling this any type of reaction is exactly what the caller wants and needs.
Don't try to be a counselor. The annoyance or obscene caller certainly needs professional help, but he/ she will only be encouraged by your concern and will continue to call back.
Never volunteer your information. This is an invitation to call again. If your number is the wrong number called, the caller does not need to know your number. This includes ATM codes, name, address, social security number and birthday.
Place ads with caution. When placing an ad in a newspaper, use a newspaper or post office box number if possible. If you must use your phone number, do not list your address. Harassing callers are avid readers of the classified ads.
Use a harrasing phone call log (see sample below). Keep a record of the calls. This could help the police and telephone company establish a pattern and possibly identify the caller.
Remember - the person calling does not control the telephone. You do.

Harrassing Telephone Call Log

Your log should include the following information:

Type of call: hang up, threatening, obscene, harassing, annoying
Caller characteristics: male, female, young, old, high voices, low voices, accent, intoxicated, nervous, camouflaged
Include as much detail as possible.

Harrassing Phone Call Log

Date:

Time:

Type of call:

Caller Characteristics:

Background Noises:

Please click here to download a printable copy of the Call Log

Cameras: Webcams and Surveillance

Webcams

Webcams are small cameras that sit on top of a computer or are imbedded directly into the computer that are used to send electronic pictures and video of a person’s activity.
These cameras can also be placed somewhere other than right on top of the computer if they are connected to the computer by a cable which then broadcasts the images across the Internet.
If the camera is placed somewhere other than directly on top of the computer, it is then possible for the stalker to see everything that happens in the room without the camera being visible to the target.
Some webcams and standard video cameras have audio and visual recording capabilities, which provide the stalker more information about the life of the target, rather than having only audio or visual recordings.
Stalkers use spyware programs to take control of webcams as long as the webcam is connected to the computer. Please see the above information on spyware programs.
If you notice your webcam’s light blinking even when it is supposed to be turned off disconnect it from your computer immediately. If the webcam is embedded into your computer or laptop turn off your computer/laptop immediately and have it checked as soon as possible. In both cases run anti-spyware programs.

Surveillance cameras

Surveillance cameras, which can be purchased in a wireless form, are small cameras that are often used without the knowledge of the target.
Like the webcams, these cameras can provide the stalker the chance to watch the target without needing to be present.
These recordings can be watched at any time and multiple times, which provides the stalker with more versatility in their schedule.
These cameras can be very tiny, the size of a microchip and difficult to locate. They may record sound as well as video.
Most surveillance cameras have to be physically installed into the target’s home. See the section on being safer in your home on the SAS website under general information.
If you locate a surveillance camera in your home immediately leave the room and call the police. Do not attempt to disable or move the camera, the stalker may be watching and may try to terminate all connections of the camera to himself.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS is a satellite-based technology that can be used to locate a place or a person.
OnStar is the most commonly used GPS based systems in vehicles to date, which is typically used by vehicle owners to determine their location when they become lost, get directions when traveling to a new place, and to locate stolen vehicles.
Stalkers can put GPS on vehicles without the target’s knowledge to track where the vehicle is located. Once the stalker knows the location of the target, he/she has the information necessary to locate and follow the target.
If you suspect you are being stalked in this manner thoroughly examine your car or have a mechanic do it. Consider using public transportation until you feel safe using your car again.

Access to Databases

Public records such as court, tax, and voter records are available on the Internet.
Retail and service records such as grocery store and video rental records can also sometimes be found on the Internet.
Records made by one company are often sold to other companies for legitimate advertising and marketing purposes, which can become available to the public on the Internet.
It is very easy to use the Internet to do a background and information check on people through various websites such as www.whitepages.com, www.socialsecuritysearchusa.com, and www.peopledata.com
Stalkers use the information on the Internet to learn where the target resides, information about his/her life and opinions, and detailed maps or floor plans of the target’s home.
A stalker can be more dangerous to the target if the layout of the home is known prior to contact.
Unfortunately it is difficult to protect your information when it is a matter of public record. See the section on how to be safer under general information on the SAS website.

Checking Footprints for Escape Plans

Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear information viewed on the Internet from your computer. If you are being stalked or are in a relationship with a controlling partner, tracking your internet usage (footprint) is an excellent way for that person to see what you are doing or planning. For details on how to clear your footprints please click here.

Responding to Online Harassment

If the offender’s identity is known, victims should send the stalker one clear written warning. This warning should convey that the contact is unwanted, and tell the perpetrator to cease all communications of any kind. Victims should do this only once. Then, no matter the response, victims should under no circumstances have further contact with the stalker. Victims should save copies of this communication in both electronic and hard copy form.
If the harassment continues, the victim may wish to file a complaint with the stalker's Internet service provider, as well as with their own service provider. Many Internet service providers offer tools that filter or block communications from specific individuals.
As soon as individuals suspect they are victims of online harassment or cyberstalking, they should start collecting all evidence and document all contact made by the stalker. Save all e-mail, postings, or other communications in both electronic and hard-copy form. If possible, save all of the header information from e-mails and newsgroup postings. Record the dates and times of any contact with the stalker.
Check out the headers (the "from", "to", "subject" and "date"). Also go to the Options or Preferences menu of your e-mail program and see if you can turn on "full headers". Look for the "Message ID" and/or "NNTP Posting Host" lines. You'll find the real ISP (internet service provider) that the person is using on these lines. Send a copy of the offending mail with the full headers to the ISP at: postmaster@ispname.com (Ex.postmaster@gmu.edu) abuse@ispname.com root@ispname.com
Victims may also want to start a log of each communication explaining the situation in more detail. Victims may want to document how the harassment is affecting their lives and what steps they have taken to stop the harassment.
Victims may want to file a report with local law enforcement or contact their local prosecutor's office to see what charges, if any, can be pursued. Victims should save copies of police reports and record all contact with law enforcement officials and the prosecutor's office.
Victims who are being continually harassed may want to consider changing their e-mail address, Internet service provider, a home phone number, and should examine the possibility of using encryption software or privacy protection programs. Any local computer store can offer a variety of protective software, options and suggestions. Victims may also want to learn how to use the filtering capabilities of email programs to block e-mails from certain addresses.
Don't get rid of e-mails. If someone forges your name on Usenet posts, do the same as above. Also go to the site of the ISP to see if there is a phone number by which to contact them directly to complain.
If contacting the ISP does not produce results, do the following:
- Call Mason Police 703-993-2810
- Call Virginia State Police Computer Crimes Unit 804 333-3800
- Call the FBI Computer Crimes Unit 703762-3160
Contact online directory listings such as www.four11.com, www.switchboard.com, and www.whowhere.com to request removal from their directory. Are these still viable?
Under no circumstances should victims agree to meet with the perpetrator face to face to "work it out," or "talk." No contact should ever be made with the stalker. Meeting a stalker in person can be very dangerous.

If You are Being Stalked

Tell Someone

If you think you are being stalked, the first thing you should do is get help.

Do not attempt to deal with the situation alone. Inform everyone: your employer, family, friends, neighbor, etc. about the stalker and the events taking place. Everyone needs to know to be able to help.
Develop a support system. Keep in touch with friends who are supportive and understanding.
Document the behavior. List date, time, place, what happened, any witnesses, and if the incident is reported to the police, document the officer’s name and the case number. Save all physical evidence, written materials, notes, letters and envelopes. Take a picture of the stalker, if it can be done safely. This will prove the stalker was in your vicinity. Give a copy of the information to a friend or relative for safekeeping.
Consider going to the police and file criminal charges and/ or obtain a protective order. The situation will not go away by itself. Protective orders may, however, increase the threat of violence.
Report threatening calls to the phone company and the police.
Seek a trespass warning from police.
Report threats sent by mail to the FBI.
When possible, travel in a group or with a friend.

Protect Your Personal Information

Do not publish your home address or phone number. Make sure this information is unlisted, and give it to as few people as possible.
If you move, do not leave a “paper trail.” Do not have anything forwarded to your new address. Use a P.O. Box instead.
Use an answering machine to screen your calls. Consider getting Caller ID.
Have emergency numbers posted by the phone, or stored in your phone’s memory.
Land lines are the most secure, so be careful what you say over a cordless or cell phone.
Keep your cell phone charged and to have it with you at all times.
If you are being followed, go to a safe area, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest police station or a busy place. Use your horn to attract attention.
Lock all doors, at home, in the dorm, and in your car. Use dead bolt locks if possible. Never open the door without confirming the identity of the person on the other side.
Never underestimate the stalker’s potential for violence. Take all threats seriously. Not all threats are verbal; some nonverbal threats may be the sending of unwanted notes, cards, or gifts.
Do not attempt to communicate with the stalker at all. The stalker may misinterpret this communication as a form of encouragement.
Be careful. If the stalker feels threatened, the behavior may escalate.

Form an Emergency Plan

Keep all critical phone numbers handy.
Keep a packed suitcase in the trunk of the car or in a ready location for a quick departure. Keep some money reserved for emergencies.
Keep gas in the car and spare keys with a friend you trust.
Always alert law enforcement and family and friends of the situation and potential crisis.

Do Not Attempt to Handle the Situation Alone

Taking Care of Yourself

You are not going crazy. Your mind and body are reacting to extreme stress caused by the continuing victimization. You may experience:

Anger
Fear
Depression
Inability to trust
Changes in sleeping and/or eating patterns
Exhaustion and/or frequent crying spells
Inability to concentrate on your school work
Declining academic performance

Talking to someone who is trained to work with victims and survivors may help.

If You Have Been Victimized

**The following are not meant to take the place of police involvement**

Victims under the age of 18 should tell a parent or other trusted adult about any harassments and/or threats.
Contact Mason Sexual Assault Services for help and guidance. 703-993-9999
If the offender’s identity is known, victims should send the stalker one clear written warning. This warning should convey that the contact is unwanted, and tell the perpetrator to cease all communications of any kind. Victims should do this only once. Then, no matter the response, victims should under no circumstances have further contact with the stalker. Victims should save copies of this communication in both electronic and hard copy form.
If the harassment continues, the victim may wish to file a complaint with the stalker's Internet service provider, as well as with their own service provider. Many Internet service providers offer tools that filter or block communications from specific individuals.
As soon as individuals suspect they are victims of online harassment or cyberstalking, they should start collecting all evidence and document all contact made by the stalker. Save all e-mail, postings, or other communications in both electronic and hard-copy form. If possible, save all of the header information from e-mails and newsgroup postings. Record the dates and times of any contact with the stalker.
Check out the headers (the "from", "to", "subject" and "date"). Also go to the Options or Preferences menu of your e-mail program and see if you can turn on "full headers". Look for the "Message ID" and/or "NNTP Posting Host" lines. You'll find the real ISP (internet service provider) that the person is using on these lines. Send a copy of the offending mail with the full headers to the ISP at: postmaster@ispname.com (Ex.postmaster@gmu.edu) abuse@ispname.com root@ispname.com
Victims may also want to start a log of each communication explaining the situation in more detail. Victims may want to document how the harassment is affecting their lives and what steps they have taken to stop the harassment.
Victims may want to file a report with local law enforcement or contact their local prosecutor's office to see what charges, if any, can be pursued. Victims should save copies of police reports and record all contact with law enforcement officials and the prosecutor's office.
Victims who are being continually harassed may want to consider changing their e-mail address, Internet service provider, a home phone number, and should examine the possibility of using encryption software or privacy protection programs. Any local computer store can offer a variety of protective software, options and suggestions. Victims may also want to learn how to use the filtering capabilities of email programs to block e-mails from certain addresses.
Don't get rid of e-mails. If someone forges your name on Usenet posts, do the same as above. Also go to the site of the ISP to see if there is a phone number by which to contact them directly to complain.
If contacting the ISP does not produce results, do the following:

Call Mason Police @ 993-2810
Call Virginia State Police Computer Crimes Unit (804) 333-3800
Call the FBI Computer Crimes Unit (703) 762-3160

Contact online directory listings such as www.four11.com, www.switchboard.com, and www.whowhere.com to request removal from their directory.
Under no circumstances should victims agree to meet with the perpetrator face to face to "work it out," or "talk." No contact should ever be made with the stalker. Meeting a stalker in person can be very dangerous.

Online Resources

United States Department of Justice Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section:
National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource Center
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV)
Working to Halt Online Abuse (WHOA) - whoa@haltabuse.org
CyberAngels
Safety Ed International
Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
Online Privacy Alliance
Network Solutions WHOIS - Helps determine contents of domain name registration
Cybersnich
Spamcop
Cyberstalking: Dangers on the Information Superhighway, By: Trudy M. Gregorie, Director of Training, National Center for Victims of Crime
Some information Provided by: Jayne A. Hitchcock