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Cyberstalking: Utilizing What We do Know

NCJ Number
232547
Journal
Victims & Offenders Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 435-441
Author(s)
Nicolle Parsons-Pollard; Laura J. Moriarty
Date Published
October 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article will focus on what is known about cyberstalking, such as the harm it may cause, the apparent increasing nature in terms of volume and escalating actions of these types of crimes, and the observation that many State laws do not adequately address cyberstalking offenses.
Abstract
Current newspaper accounts have highlighted some of the more sensationalized cyberstalking cases, but what do we really know about these offenses and their victims? While there are some similarities between traditional offline stalking and cyberstalking, the differences between the two can have a tremendous impact on victims. In light of what we do know, we can conclude that there is much more that we do not know about cyberstalking in part because it is rarely reported, law enforcement agencies are ill equipped to handle it when it is reported, and the availability of resources are often lacking. This article will focus on the policy implications and some of the steps necessary to increase our knowledge about cyberstalking to better assist and aid its victims. (Published Abstract)