e-Threats
Stalking and harassment can be very disturbing kinds of crimes. Often the victim will be unaware that they are being harassed or threatened in this way until the situation becomes extreme. Traditionally, most people associate being stalked with actual physical manifestations such as being followed or watched. Unfortunately, in the digital age, the options open to potential stalkers are far wider. When the stalker chooses to pursue their campaign of harassment using modern technology it becomes much harder to establish the identity of the perpetrator. E-mail is one of the primary ways in which the stalker can harass their victim in an almost anonymous manner. Using a cell phone, especially a prepaid phone is also another common way in which stalkers use technology to harass their victims.
For anyone who is the victim of high-tech stalking or harassment it is important that they take steps to ensure that all of the evidence that will be required to track down the perpetrator is kept. All e-mails should be stored and not deleted, you should also make a note of all times and dates when you received harassing telephone calls. In effect you need to keep everything that could eventually be used as evidence to build your case. It may also be useful to record all telephone calls or at least keep notes on what was said during these harassing calls.
Whilst you are accruing evidence to make your case and to enable a qualified team of experts to track down your stalker, you may find it useful to take steps to minimise the effects the harassment has on your life. Towards this end you should try to stay calm on the telephone, many stalkers are gratified by knowing that you are stressed or bothered by their calls. You may also find it less stressful to ignore the contents of any e-mail you receive, simply copy them into this safe place without opening or reading them. It is important that you realise that it is not your role to track down the stalker; your task is to gather enough data which can be used by professionals to identify the perpetrator and bring them to justice.
