They watch you, they message you at all hours, they threaten you, they publish your personal details or pose as you on social media. Digital harassment wears you down, and sooner or later the question comes up: can I report this? What protection do I have?
You can, and yes, you do have it. Cyberstalking can be a crime, and as a victim you have the right to have it stopped and to be protected.
It can fit several offences
Depending on how it plays out, online harassment can fall under different categories: stalking or hounding, threats, coercion, identity theft, the leaking of personal data or images, insults and defamation. This is not just “something that happens online” or a minor matter: it is conduct the law goes after.
What protection you can obtain
As a victim, you can seek:
- An end to the harassment, with protective measures against the person hounding you, including where appropriate a restraining order.
- A conviction of the person responsible.
- Compensation for the harm caused.
- The removal of content and the identification of whoever is hiding behind a profile.
Even if you do not know who is behind it
This is one of the most common worries: “someone is harassing me from an anonymous account and I have no idea who it is.” Not being able to put a face to it does not leave you without options. There are ways to try to identify whoever is hiding behind a profile, and this is where the work on the electronic evidence makes all the difference. This is our field: cybercrime.
Keep what you receive
Two things in the meantime: do not respond to the harassment or play along, and keep everything you receive, because it is the basis for taking action. The sooner you step in, the sooner it can be stopped. And if they have also shared images of you, take a look at what you can legally demand.
Frequently asked questions
Someone is harassing me from an anonymous account, can anything be done?
Yes. Not knowing the harasser’s identity does not close the door: there are mechanisms to try to identify whoever is hiding behind a profile. The technical work on the electronic evidence is decisive in these cases.
Can I obtain a restraining order for online harassment?
Depending on the circumstances and the seriousness of the case, it is possible to request protective measures, which may include an order barring the person from approaching or contacting you. We assess this based on your situation.
What should I do with the messages or posts I receive?
Keep them without deleting anything, and do not respond to the harassment. That material is the basis for filing a report and requesting protection; we help you make sure it holds up.
The harassment is coming from my ex-partner, does that change anything?
Yes. When the harassment comes from a partner or former partner, it can trigger reinforced protection. It is important to seek advice as soon as possible so the right measures can be put in place.