Cyber Harassment

Repeated electronic contact where the object is to disrupt and harass an individual. The harassment must be such that a reasonable person in possession of the same information would regard it as sufficient to cause another reasonable person distress.

Targets of cyber harassers may not even know that they are being harassed. It is accomplished through the use of information and communications technology, particularly the Internet, by an individual or group of individuals. The behavior includes false accusations, monitoring their personal computer, the transmission of threats, identity theft, password stealing, web sites, blogs, damage to data or equipment, and gathering information specifically for harassment purposes. They may engage in live chat harassment, or they may send electronic viruses and unsolicited e-mails. One of the most dangerous forms of cyber harassment involves either pretending to be the target, or posting the target's personal information, in chat rooms and bulletin boards. Advertising the target for sex, or portraying the target as a racist, can put them in significant physical danger.

Cyber harassers gain pleasure from disrupting anonymously whereas stalkers make their identity known. Though they may know their target, Cyber harassers can be anywhere in the world and almost never have a desire to engage in a face-to-face meeting.

If you are a target of Cyber Harassment

• As soon as individuals suspect they are targets of online harassment they should start a log. This can be a simple day, date, time, and the form of contact.
• If harassment continues contact the harasser's Internet Service Provider (ISP). Most ISP's have clear policies prohibiting the use of their services to abuse another person. Often, an ISP can try to stop the conduct by direct contact with the harasser or by closing their account. If targets receive abusive emails, identify the domain (after the "@" sign) and contact that ISP. Most ISP's have an email address such as abuse@(domain name) or postmaster@(domain name) that can be used for complaints. If the ISP has a website, visit it for information on how to file a complaint.
• Targets should consider blocking or filtering messages from the harasser. Many email programs such as Eudora and Microsoft Outlook have a filter feature, and software can be easily obtained that will automatically delete emails from a particular email address or that contain offensive words. Chat room contact can be blocked as well. Although formats differ, a common chat room command to block someone would be to type: /ignore (without the brackets). However, in some circumstances (such as threats of violence), it may be more appropriate to save the information and contact law enforcement authorities.
• Targets may want to contact heir local police department and inform them of the situation in as much detail as possible. In appropriate cases, they may refer the matter to state or federal authorities.
• Targets may contact online directory listings such as www.four11.com, www.switchboard.com, and www.whowhere.com to request removal from their directory.