Neonjade

I feel a combination of cheer and dread when I Google myself these days. I’ve posted enough times, in enough places, that searching most variations of my name results in a page of relevant links. I believe those results represent me well enough for searchers to judge whether they would benefit from a personal or professional networking contact with me.

I celebrate knowing that like minded folks can easily find me for collaboration or contracting. I get a bit nervous at the idea of people with less positive intentions having that much insight to the places I go, the thoughts I have and the people that I connect with.

After reading a fellow writer’s blog post, “At the intersection of Heartbreak Street and Internet Avenue”, the question nagged a little harder, “so what can you do when someone attacks you online?” It might be “virtual” aggression, but it can cause real life damage to a person’s livelihood and doesn’t always stay online.

Here’s some of what I learned:

• According to an article at FindLaw, there were documented cases of initiating online restraining orders by 1997. (NetGuide, Vol. 4 #2, p 32, Feb. 1997)
• 2004 marked the first sentencing under Federal law for cyberstalking. The stalker could have gotten six months of prison time, but the victim requested and the court imposed five years probation, instead. (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Oct 30, 2004)
• Links to the 47 individual state laws regarding cyberstalking may be found at the National Conference of State Legislatures website.
• Most prevention advice includes typical internet security issues, like not sharing your real identity and such. I don’t believe that’s practical advice for freelancers and business people whose work relies on a tangible online presence. It’s also not applicable to the harassment arising from broken personal relationships, i.e., your ex-husband is going to know your websites and social media accounts.
• See below for a list of action items to take upon finding yourself to be a victim. The source is a downloadable PDF from the Beverly, MA, Police Department. The PDF includes many links to further online information and assistance.

What To Do If You Are Being Cyberstalked

If you are receiving unwanted contact:

• make clear to that person that you would like him or her not to contact you again
• Save all communications for evidence. Do not edit or alter them in any way
• Keep a record of your contacts with Internet system administrators or law enforcement officials
• 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 contain offensive words. Chat room contact can be blocked as well.
• If harassment continues after you have asked the person to stop, 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 stalker or by closing their account. If you 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. Visit the ISP web site for information on how to file a complaint
• Contact your 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

Special Mention

“Cyber bullying” has been cited for the cause of many teen suicides. This wasn’t the focus of my inquiry, but I was shocked by its prevalence. Visit the Cyberbullying Research Center to learn more of this threat to young people and how to prevent and fight against it.

Were you ever a victim of online abuse? What did you do about it? If you have additional resources on this issue that you believe can help, please share with a comment.