Harassment and Cyberstalking explained

Program note: Stalking and Harassment are prevalent both online and off.  Parry Aftab, Executive Director of WiredSafety.org, is an expert on internet privacy and safety.  Tune in to AC360° for Aftab's opinion on the Erin Andrews incident, and what you can do to avoid it.

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/TECH/07/16/twitter.hack/art.twitter.phone.gi.jpg caption="Checking an e-mail or stealthily taking your pictures? Cell phones have become a tool in stalking and harassment."]

Parry Aftab
WiredSaftey.org

There are three different kinds of cyberstalking situations...

* Online cyberstalking and harassment that stays online
* Online harassment and stalking that ventures offline or encourages offline actions
* Offline stalking or harassment that moves online

It doesn’t make any difference whether or not the victim has even used the Internet. The distinction between online and offline is dependent on the medium used by the perpetrator.

For example, online stalking/harassing is usually defined as “…repeated unsolicited contact by electronic means…” with the intent to “…terrify, intimidate, or harass…” another. The medium in this instance can include computers, Fax machines, telephones, etc.

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