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The
article discusses the growing prevalence of cyberstalking compared to physical
harassment, based on the findings of a study by Electronic Communication
Harassment Observation at Bedford University. The study reveals that
cyberstalkers are more likely to be complete strangers or casual acquaintances
rather than former partners, and nearly 40% of cyberstalking victims are men.
The majority of victims surveyed were aged 20 to 39, with teenagers being most
harassed on social networking sites.
Dr. Emma Short highlights that cyberstalking can cause significant psychological harm, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The motivations behind cyberstalking often seem to be causing misery and distress.
The article also points out that the pattern of harassment differs between male and female victims. Men are more likely to be targeted by strangers, while face-to-face stalking often involves former partners.
Victims often struggle to get the police to take cyberstalking seriously, and there is a lack of understanding of how to handle such cases effectively.
The personal account of a victim, Joanne, illustrates the terror and impact of cyberstalking, urging the need for stronger laws to convict and punish cyberstalkers appropriately.
The number of reported offenses for certain categories of crimes increased from 2022 to 2023, including vehicle thefts, which went up by nearly 13%.