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This paper explores cyberbullying and cyberstalking victimisation in a Higher Education community and potential strategies for better supporting victims. It analyses qualitative responses from a convenience sample of students and staff who experienced these adverse behaviours. The data were collected from 34 self-selected respondents from a university in the United Kingdom. All qualitative responses were analysed using thematic analysis through ATLAS.ti 7.5. The interpretation of the data adopted a constructivist epistemological lens. Two-thirds of the sample reported cyber-victimisation formally to the police and/or their employers, but they encountered diverse responses, ranging from strong support to feeling judged or misunderstood. The study highlights that several victims adopted personal strategies to counteract cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Support from family and friends emerged as the primary protective factor for students and university staff. The findings contribute to the development of best practices and policies, as well as the mitigation of risk factors, ultimately fostering cyber user resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing use of information and communication technology, university students are more vulnerable to cyberbullying and cyberstalking than ever before. While prior research has mostly addressed these adverse behaviours separately, the convergence of these phenomena in the education and lives of university students suggests the need to explore them within a more holistic framework. This study presents a narrative systematic review (NSR) that focuses on university students (undergraduate and postgraduate) as victims. Out of 7,518 papers screened, only 61 were eligible for the review, resulting in a comprehensive and critical overview of the risks and protective factors associated with cyberbullying and cyberstalking among university students. The analysis of the review metadata sheds light on the factors that contribute to victims' adverse experiences and explores best practices and intervention strategies for supporting them. The analysis revealed more research on cyberbullying rather than cyberstalking among university students. Certain risk factors have emerged as particularly relevant, such as underestimation of cyberbehaviour and risky behaviour among victims, along with considerations of gender, age, mental health, personality, and previous face-to-face victimisations. The most significant consequences include negative emotions and psychological vulnerabilities. Self-conscious behaviour and seeking support from family and friends are considered as the most common protective factors. There is a need for academic institutions to engage actively in preventing cyberbullying and cyberstalking through evidence-based programmes. Overall, there is a gap in our understanding of the effectiveness of policies and programmes at the university level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors explore the issue of safeguarding personal data, particularly its identifying components, in the context of the Internet. Doxing, a criminal act involving the unauthorized collection of information and its public dissemination without the owner's consent, has gained significant traction on social media platforms, where identifying information can be quickly spread and misused against individuals. Large language models (artificial intelligence) are integrated into many software programs designed to protect personal data. However, in light of large-scale data breaches, the authors raise concerns about the liability of entities or individuals who fail to adequately secure such data, especially when cyber incidents are linked to the use of AL The rapid advancement and widespread use of artificial intelligence contribute to these growing concerns. In 2023, the emergence of several language models facilitated both the manipulation and aggregation of data, exacerbating the problem. The authors express serious concerns about ensuring user privacy and information security in a landscape increasingly shaped by open-source intelligence and the further exploitation of such data. In an era where personal data has become a highly valuable commodity, protecting it has become a priority for governments worldwide. In light of this, the authors aim to examine and synthesize international legal approaches to safeguarding the right to privacy and regulating the protection of personal (identifying) information on the Internet. The study relies on general scientific methods of inquiry, including comparative analysis and modelling. The authors conclude that cyberattacks, the theft of personal data, the increasing use of open-source intelligence, the penetration of digital identification technologies into all socio-economic processes, and the proliferation of the Internet of Things pose real threats to individual privacy and the security of identifying information as a critical component of personal data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined emerging adults' cybermonitoring behaviors before, during, and after a romantic interaction. Given the abundance of information available online, behaviors representative of the less intrusive end of the continuum of cyberstalking (e.g., clicking on profile, viewing tagged photos) have become a common aspect of romantic interactions. Thus, this project focused predominately on those more mundane aspects of information seeking (i.e., cybermonitoring). Emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 29 (N = 240) and who had at least one previous romantic interaction completed an online survey regarding their experiences with cybermonitoring, engagement in cybermonitoring, and their motives for cybermonitoring. Analyses revealed that 94.4% of participants had engaged in cybermonitoring; often using Facebook (74.6%) and Instagram (75.4%) to engage in cybermonitoring on their perspective, current, or former romantic partners. Furthermore, they reported engaging in behaviors differentially, Wilks' = .19, F(17, 203) = 49.85, p < .001, p 2 = .81, with less intrusive behaviors (e.g., clicking on profile, viewing tagged photos) commonly used than more intrusive cyberstalking behaviors (e.g., creating fake profile, using location). Additionally, participants reported engaging in more cybermonitoring during their romantic relationship than before, t(191) = 5.78, p < .001, g = 0.35, or after, t(194) = 8.41, p < .001, g = 0.60, and more frequently before the interaction than after, t(192) = 3.70, p < .001, g = 0.21. Lastly, participants predominately reported engaging in cybermonitoring after a breakup for reasons related to curiosity about their ex-partner. How this information compares to prior research on cyberstalking is discussed. Ultimately, we posit that cybermonitoring may be a more appropriate term for representing emerging adults' online behaviors revolving around romantic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyberstalking is a phenomenon that induces severe psychological disorders, including fear, anxiety,depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, in victims. A critical synthesis of the literature identifiesa notable deficiency in multidimensional research concerning cyberstalking practices within the Turkishcontext. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of cyberstalking practices among Turkishyouth, with a specific focus on the dynamics of inter-platform migration. Utilizing a snowball samplingtechnique, 16 participants aged 18-30, exhibiting diverse socio-demographic profiles, were recruited.During the experimental phase, participants engaged in a systematic and audible monitoring of anindividual, with whom they had either recently acquainted or had no prior information about, throughdigital media channels, replicating their routine cyberstalking practices. Subsequent semi-structuredinterviews were conducted to elicit detailed insights into participants’ cyberstalking practices. The findingsreveal Instagram as the primary locus of cyberstalking practices, driven by participants’ informationacquisition motives. X (Twitter) serves as a means to discern individuals’ political affiliations, Facebookas a repository of historical data, and Google facilitates access to individuals’ social networks. Notably,LinkedIn elicits the greatest participant unease due to notification mechanisms, while WhatsApp is leastutilized owing to data limitations. While participants generally perceive cyberstalking as normative, manyresort to various stratagems, including the creation of fictitious accounts, to access restricted profiles.Despite intensive engagement in these practices, the majority eschew self-identification as ‘stalkers,’ citingperceived excessiveness and intimidation associated with the label.

Digital technologies are becoming increasingly important for environmental defenders. Such technologies offer them possibilities to speak out and/or take action, but also increase the (digital) risks they face as a result of their (online) involvement. Recently, significant concerns have been raised about the use of various forms of online and technology-facilitated forms of harassment or 'digital intimidation' against environmental defenders. This raises the question of whether environmental defenders are adequately protected by the current legal framework. To assess this, it is essential to first understand the phenomenon of digital intimidation. This paper therefore aims to identify the 'core' components and characteristics relevant to digital intimidation to enable further legal qualification and analysis. As such, we propose a digital intimidation navigation tool that can facilitate a more sophisticated understanding of the different tactics used, as well as a fine-grained analysis of the existing legal framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyberstalking is defined as the repeated pursuit of an individual using the Internet. The current study examined the relationship between Dark Triad constructs and cyberstalking among a large sample of adults (N = 1724) while addressing several limitations of previous research. Each construct was assessed using a validated measure; a newer measure of Machiavellianism was used to ensure that psychopathy and Machiavellianism could be distinguished; and separate models were run for each trait to avoid interpreting residuals from multivariate models. After controlling for age and sex, only the antisocial facet of psychopathy (early and repeated antisocial behaviour; odds ratio, OR = 2.74, 95% confidence interval, CI [1.73, 4.36]) and grandiose narcissism (inflated self-esteem and antagonism; OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.08, 1.50]) were significantly related to cyberstalking perpetration within the past 12 months. While psychopathy and narcissism may be important factors for understanding antisocial behaviour, Machiavellianism appears to have limited predictive and practical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El trabajo que se presenta consiste en una investigación sobre el fenómeno del cyberstalking, centrado concretamente en las relaciones de pareja juveniles. Más allá del conocimiento de la prevalencia de este fenómeno, el objetivo principal que se persigue es conocer aquellas características más novedosas y/o llamativas sobre el cyberstalking. Para ello, se han recogido datos procedentes del Sistema VioGén sobre denuncias de cyberstalking de menores de 25 años y se ha llevado a cabo una revisión y análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de dichos datos. Los principales resultados nos llevaron a concluir que en prácticamente todos los casos analizados tiene lugar ambos tipos de conductas, es decir, tanto online como offline (94,8%), habiéndose hallado conductas online de forma exclusiva tan sólo en el 5,2% de los casos, siendo las más frecuentes las amenazas a través de mensajes (SMS o WhatsApp). La aparición o aumento de estas conductas se produjeron tras la ruptura de la relación de las parejas, teniendo estas parejas más características en común con las parejas adultas que con las jóvenes.

Stalking, a widespread and distressing phenomenon, has recently garnered considerable attention. The advent of digital platforms has revolutionized the landscape of stalking, presenting new avenues and challenges for research. However, the impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic on stalking remains underexplored, despite extensive studies on similar crimes such as intimate partner violence and domestic violence. To address this gap, our study focused on Reddit, a prominent online platform with a diverse user base and open discussion. Through an analysis of posts from the subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Stalking/), we sought to compare the discourse on stalking before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We found notable shifts in stalking-related posts before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with the emergence of new topics centered on cyberstalking. We also observed that the experiences of stalking victims have significantly changed following the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings, we discussed the implications for policies to help stalking victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the issue of cyber-violence in intimate relationships, i.e. marital and partner relationships. It is the type of violence where the perpetrator uses modern technology to torment the victim. This phenomenon has only recently become the subject of scientific research, as well as the subject of interest on the part of practitioners, i.e. representatives of various institutions established to combat the problem of domestic violence. The article aims to show the essence of the phenomenon and attempt to systematize its various manifestations, particularly the ways in which the perpetrators torment their partners using modern technologies and digital tools. First, the author proposes a general characterization of cyber-violence and the various associated forms of violence using modern technologies, and reviews research devoted to cyber-violence in intimate relationships. Then, based on analysis of scientific literature, she attempts to systematize the manifestations of the phenomenon. In addition, the manifestations of cyber-violence in intimate relationships have been described on the basis of examples cited in posts of Internet users posted on discussion forums and websites containing e-advice provided by legal experts. Identification and systematization of the manifestations of cyber-violence occurring in intimate relationships is important from the perspective of further scientific research aimed at a thorough diagnosis of the phenomenon. It can also have practical value as basis for identifying and diagnosing such cases, and creating appropriate legal norms to combat the practice and ensure adequate protection of those affected.

This study empirically examines situational and personal characteristics associated with victims' responses to cyberstalking. In the context of these responses, there has been much debate regarding the "fear standard," which requires victims or reasonable persons to feel fearful as a result of stalking. To examine victim responses to cyberstalking, survey data were collected from 880 young adults in the U.S. who were repeatedly pursued online (cyberstalked) within the previous year. Findings revealed that the majority (67.84%) of respondents did not feel fear in response to the repeated online pursuit. However, approximately half (50.23%) did experience a substantial (non-fear) emotional response. Multivariate findings identified situational and victim characteristics that impacted the reactions experienced, and these effects varied by type of reaction. The results indicate that definitions requiring fear underestimate the prevalence of cyberstalking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The criteria used to identify the crime of stalking have been debated since the 1990s, with most definitions including a so-called "fear standard" as a form of harm experienced by victims. The current study takes the next logical step in this dialogue to examine the varied harms that victims of stalking experience. These analyses operationalize harm through the creation of a harm scale based on several dimensions of fear and emotional distress. By taking this approach and utilizing data from the National Crime Victimization Survey's Supplemental Victimization Survey, the current study identifies the extent of the harm suffered by stalking victims. Further, the determinants of harm following stalking victimization are identified. Finally, the present research examines the relationship between the invasiveness of the stalker's conduct and the harm experienced by victims, finding a positive relationship wherein more invasive encounters correspond with a greater degree of harm to victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, the rise in internet usage has led to a transition from traditional crimes to cybercrimes. Using data from a sample of 749 Turkish women, the current study applies the routine activity theory (RAT) framework, focusing on target suitability conceptualised as VIVA (value, inertia, visibility, and accessibility), to cybercrime victimisation, including cyberstalking, computer hacking, and credit card identity theft. This study is the first to adopt this framework to understand the patterns of victimisation of Turkish women—university students. The findings indicate that RAT may be useful regardless of the geographic location of the victim; routine activities that are risky for one type of cybercrime may be harmless in relation to another; RAT could be helpful when examining cybercrime victimisation with a gendered lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contexto e Objetivo: O cyberstalking nos relacionamentos românticos refere-se ao uso de tecnologias de informação e comunicação, como as redes sociais, para perseguir, ameaçar ou assediar um parceiro íntimo atual, anterior ou potencial. A presente revisão objetivou mapear os estudos empíricos sobre o fenômeno, fornecendo uma contextualização teórica e identificando correlatos potenciais. Considerando os impactos na saúde mental das vítimas, também se buscou identificar artigos que integrassem conceitos da psicologia. Métodos: Os artigos relevantes foram pesquisados sistematicamente nas bases de dados Portal Periódicos CAPES, Web of Science, PubMed, SciVerse Scopus e Embase de 2012 a 2021. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada. Resultados: Dos 2.556 arquivos identificados, 19 estudos atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Dezesseis estudos apresentaram qualidade alta, indicando evidências robustas e baixo risco de viés, enquanto três estudos obtiveram qualidade moderada. Os estudos sugerem que a bidirecionalidade e as motivações subjacentes ao cyberstalking são moldadas por variáveis tecnológicas, socioculturais e individuais. Especificamente, essas motivações podem ser compreendidas através de variáveis sociodemográficas e teorias psicológicas. Ademais, constatou-se que as vítimas evitam denunciar o crime. Não foram encontradas contribuições sobre o papel do psicólogo no suporte às vítimas, agressores e à sociedade. Conclusões: De modo geral, espera-se que os achados possam orientar estratégias de intervenção nos âmbitos social, jurídico e virtual, a fim de mitigar comportamentos de perseguição, especialmente em estágios iniciais dos relacionamentos amorosos.

There are very renowned social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc., with each of which being used by different shareholders across the world to communicate with each other. Social media is a pool of online communication platforms that are based on community input, content sharing, and collaborations. The way we communicate, share information, and connect with other people has been revolutionized by social media. This has led to a series of benefits but also posed many challenges, especially in cybersecurity. This paper investigates the varied influences of social media, examining both its good and negative consequences across a variety of industries. It focuses specifically on the cybersecurity concerns posed by the growing usage of social media, shedding light on the vulnerabilities encountered by individuals and organizations. This investigation includes a study of common cybercrimes like phishing, social engineering, burglary via social networking, virus attacks, cyberstalking, identity theft, and cybercasing. This study emphasizes the importance of a complete and targeted cybersecurity approach that includes preventive measures such as privacy enhancements, user training, sophisticated email filtering, robust authentication, and encryption technologies. Individuals and organizations can traverse the evolving social media ecosystem with greater cyber resilience by addressing these challenges and using proactive tactics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Criminológico is the property of Instituto Andaluz Interuniversitario de Criminologia (Seccion Malaga) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The author reviews the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Counterman versus Colorado that deters justice for cyberstalking victims. The Court maintained that cyberstalking was an acceptable cost to uphold protected speech under the First Amendment, and that threats of violence were insufficient proof for foreseeable online assaults. The author states that the Court failed to consider the chilling effect of threats on victims who lose their ability of self-expression without fear.

Background: The National Survey stated 45% of 2,777 Indonesian youths had experienced cyberbullying, including harassment via chat applications (45%), distribution of personal documentation (41%) and other harassment (14%). A preliminary study in Jember Regency stated that 21 out of 30 students had been victims of cyberbullying. Purpose: To find out the correlation between parental interaction (the role of monitoring online activity, disciplining and potential conflict) and exposure to cyberbullying (flamming, harassment, denigrations, impersonations, outing, exclusion, cyberstalking) on psychological impact (self-confidence, anxiety, hopelessness and suicidal intent) of high school youth in Sumbersari District, Jember Regency. Methods: This is a quantitative research that was conducted at 12 Senior High Schools at Sumbersari District, Jember with a total population of 5,346 students. Simple random sampling research, of 358 Lemeshow sampling students. Collecting interview data and filling out a questionnaire forJanuary 2019. Analysis of chi-square bivariate test data. Results: The significance of parental interaction was found related to conflict with the level of self-confidence and anxiety of adolescents (p 0.00; OR 2.77 and p 0.02; OR 1.71). Interestingly, it was found that harassment had an impact on the level of self-confidence (p 0.00; OR 2.29), anxiety (p 0.00; OR 1.92), hopelessness (p 0.00; OR 2.91) and intention to commit suicide (p 0.02; OR 1.84). Cyberstalking had an impact on the level of selfconfidence (p 0.00; OR: 3.02), anxiety (p 0.00; OR: 1.81), hopelessness (p 0.00; OR: 5.50) and intention to suicide (p 0.00; OR: 2.44). Conclusion: Parental interactions and exposure to cyberbullying have a significant effect and play an important role in the psychological impact experienced in adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have caused drastic changes in the relational dynamics of adolescents, providing new channels to exercise and suffer violence. The objective of this research is threefold: it is intended to evaluate the possession, use and parental supervision of the mobile phone in the group of adolescents; identify digital violence in adolescents’ first affective/sexual relationships; and verify its relationship with other forms of online violence such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking and grooming. The sample is made up of 715 adolescents (47% girls) with an age range that goes from 13 to 19 years, with a mean of 15.64 (DT = 1.28) years. The results confirm the omnipresence of ICTs in the lives of adolescent couples and establish a relationship between digital violence and the use of technological devices and virtual spaces, which they access with little parental supervision. In addition, it is evident that adolescents face multiple forms of violence in the online environment, both at the sentimental level through cybercontrol and aggression, as well as insults or humiliation; as well as in the social sphere, since they have been victims of cyberbullying, grooming and cyberstalking. In short, new challenges of educational intervention are revealed for education professionals and families, in the face of the commitment to ensure that the youngest live their relationships free of violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a sample of 376 young adults (18- to 25-year-olds) who had been cyberstalked in the previous 12 months, the current study attempts to (1) understand the self-identified reasons behind cyberstalking victims' choice to not report their experiences to law enforcement and (2) determine if there are gender or racial differences associated with the reasons for not reporting. Findings revealed that approximately 86% of cyberstalking victims did not personally report their victimization to law enforcement. The most common reasons for not reporting included not knowing their experience was criminal in nature (53.99%), dealing with it another way (42.82%), and thinking the police would not do anything for them (32.98%) or would not be helpful (31.91%). Analyses also revealed that there were gender-specific differences in one of the reasons for not reporting. Women and another gender identity selected "Thought the police would not do anything" significantly more than men. Implications for these findings are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intimate partner cyberstalking is associated with significant psychosocial, economic, and legal costs for both victims and perpetrators. However, despite these significant negative outcomes, there is a paucity in instruments designed to measure this behavior. Further, many of the measures lack validation and psychometric exploration. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Intimate Partner Cyberstalking Scale (IPCS; Smoker & March, 2017). For this purpose, 595 adults of both genders (32% male; Mage = 30.08) were recruited in Argentina. Participants completed the IPCS-scale, a measure of internet trolling behavior, Dark Triad Personality scale, questions regarding use of new technologies, and demographic items. Both exploratory factor and confirmatory analyses yielded an adequate two-factor structure of the IPCS - scale (a dimension of indirect-direct cyberstalking and a dimension of indirect behaviors) with adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas were .85 and 89, respectively). McDonald's consistency and composite reliability were satisfactory as well. Concurrent validity was established with measures of trolling and the use of new technologies. Also, it was detected that these variables, along with gender and dark personality, were predictors of cyberstalking. Overall, results of the current project indicate the IPCS-scale is a valid and reliable measure of assessing both direct and indirect intimate partner cyberstalking behavior in Argentina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Taiwan Law Review is the property of Angle Publishing Co., Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The literature suggests an increased risk of cybervictimisation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper explores student and staff experiences in a higher education community as victims of cyberbullying and cyberstalking during the COVID-19 lockdowns. An online semi-structured questionnaire was administered to self-identified students and staff victims within a higher education context. By analysing victim responses, within a qualitative framework, this research identifies perceptions, impacts and support mechanisms. The findings offer insights for the development of effective practices and policies to mitigate risk factors and foster resilience. This research addresses the need for comprehensive understanding in the face of emerging digital challenges and future traumatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Criminal justice responses to stalking in England and Wales have come under increased scrutiny following the Joint Criminal Justice Inspectorate report in 2017. In response, police forces throughout England and Wales attempted to improve their handling of stalking. In one UK police force, a project was developed to improve the identification, investigation and victim journey for domestic abuse cyberstalking offences. The project included a specialist investigation team along with a dedicated and co-located Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. This article draws on research conducted during the evaluation of the project and will evidence high levels of victim engagement, positive reports from victims and a 100% success rate in obtaining restraining orders. These findings highlight the valuable role of specialist teams with integrated, independent support for victims and suggest that the victim journey can be improved through collaborative projects between the police and specialist organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to explore the dimensionality of online and offline stalking forms and the associations between Dark Tetrad traits and perpetration of various stalking behaviors. Serbian adults (N = 232; 64.2% women) completed the Short Dark Triad, the Short Sadistic Impulse Scale, the Cyberstalking Scale, and a newly developed instrument—the Stalking Behavior Scale—which measures aggravated, intrusive, and surveillance forms of stalking. Cyberstalking was associated with all of the Dark Tetrad traits, but the other forms of stalking were corelated with different Dark Tetrad traits. For instance, aggravated stalking was associated with psychopathy and sadism whereas surveillance stalking was associated with Machiavellianism and narcissism. We suggest that psychopathy and sadism were related to direct, in-person, riskier, and severe stalking, while Machiavellianism and narcissism were related to indirect and covert stalking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While the gender of stalking victims and perpetrators may affect perceptions of stalking, limited research has examined whether victim responses to stalking (i.e. ignoring or confronting the perpetrator) are similarly influential. The present study examined whether perpetrator and victim gender and victim response (ignore vs. asking the perpetrator to stop) were related to perceptions of stalking and cyberstalking. Methods: Participants (N = 223) from the United States were randomly assigned to one of four vignettes (gender × victim response) that included both in‐person stalking and cyberstalking behaviours. Perceptions assessed included: whether police intervention was necessary, whether the scenario constituted a crime, and how responsible the perpetrator and victim were for the situation. They also rated how distressing they believed the in‐person (vs. cyberstalking) behaviours would be. Results: Most of the participants believed police intervention was required (57.4%), yet fewer believed a crime occurred (32.7%). Overall, in‐person stalking behaviours were seen as more distressing than were cyberstalking behaviours. Men were perceived as more responsible than women when they were both victims and perpetrators. There was an interaction between gender and victim response to stalking, such that male victims who ignored the perpetrator were considered less in need of police intervention than female victims who ignored the perpetrator (and male and female victims who confronted the perpetrator). Conclusions: Both male victims and perpetrators may be perceived as more responsible by juries and informal supports. Men may be viewed as less in need of law enforcement support unless they have already confronted their pursuer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To extend theoretical understanding of cyberspace victimization beyond lifestyle-routine activity theory, we tested the target congruence approach as a plausible explanation for cyberstalking victimization. Of secondary interest, we assessed whether the relationship between target congruence and cyberstalking victimization differs by pursued–pursuer relationship. Survey data from a sample of 1,500 young adults (18–25 years old) revealed 32% had experienced cyberstalking victimization within the previous year. Logistic regression results moderately support the target congruence approach. Measures capturing target vulnerability (e.g., age, disability), target gratifiability (e.g., gender identity, types of photos posted), and target antagonism (e.g., relationship status, cyberstalking perpetration) significantly predicted cyberstalking victimization. Moreover, it appears that the target congruence elements better explain cyberstalking victimization conducted by someone known to the target (compared with a stranger). Implications for the applicability of the target congruence approach are discussed, along with suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stalking is one of the main types of abusive behaviour facilitated by technology. The purpose of the current study was twofold: to identify the challenges of cyberstalking investigations and prosecutions in Australia and determine how best to investigate these types of offences. A qualitative analysis of four years of interviews, focus groups and participant observations with police departments provides an overview of the cyberstalking investigative process. The findings map out the process from the initial report of the incident to the preparation of the prosecution brief. This analysis positions cyberstalking investigations as an interesting case study in the midst of increased scrutiny about the way that police investigate technology-facilitated abuse.

In recent years the body of literature on cyberstalking has expanded rapidly. The present work aimed to summarize the current state of the literature on cyberstalking perpetration and victimization in a scoping review. Forty-one quantitative and qualitative studies that examined variables relating to cyberstalking victimization and perpetration were collated. Following the methodology of Arksey and O'Malley (2005), an in-depth thematic analysis of the articles was undertaken. Prevalence of victimization and perpetration rates were compared and key themes synthesized. Despite examining similar young adult populations, the prevalence of victimization was found to range considerably from 0.7% (Reyns & Engelbrecht, 2010) to 85.2% (Strawhun et al., 2013) across studies. Themes were divided into two overarching classifications, factors relating to victimization and factors relating to perpetration. Deviant peer association, low self-control, previous harassment experiences and personality traits were some of the factors most frequently examined in relation to perpetration; whilst online exposure, online disclosure and guardianship were some of the factors most frequently examined in relation to victimization. Within these themes, deviant peer association and low self-control were found to consistently correlate with an increase in both cyberstalking victimization and perpetration. Guardianship and confidence online demonstrated inconsistent results. This review has summarized what is currently known and has been validated within cyberstalking research pertaining to victimization and perpetration, and has identified gaps and potential areas of future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyberstalking, especially among university students, has become a critical social concern. While a growing body of research associates cyberstalking with abuse of technology, psychological instability and the perceived porosity of the legal systems, power inequality has not been foregrounded as a major driver. With a focus on establishing power relationships between victims and perpetrators, the study explored structural and social environments surrounding female students at the University of Dar es Salaam. The quantitative and qualitative data were collected with an online survey questionnaire distributed to 424 female students. Together with the questionnaire, deeper insights for the qualitative information were obtained from online interviews held with 30 female students and 15 key informants as well as from online Focused Group Discussion held with another cluster of 30 female students who had experiences of cybertalking. Interpreted from a feminist theoretical perspective and 'gender digital divide' stances, the results indicate multiple forms of unequal power relations surrounding third-world women internet users in universities. The study recommends strategies against gender inequality to be extended to cyberspace, while women's empowerment in online spaces should be spearheaded in gender equality discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to summarize that impact has exerted on legal regulations aimed at eradicating stalking and cyberstalking crimes in the Polish criminal law during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper explores also some operation methods employed by perpetrators, in particular those involving violent acts with the use of digital tools. THE RESEARCH PROBLEM AND METHOD: The text is based on the analytical method aiming to measure the factual, not the declarative ratio legis. The problem was studied based on the interpretation of the applicable law, as well as a survey of the legal doctrine views and judicial decisions. To some extent, the historical method was employed in order to demonstrate how former stalking regulations in Poland had been evolving. THE PROCESS OF ARGUMENTATION: This paper discusses the analysis the issue of the methods employed by perpetrators, legal nature of stalking as a criminal offence, focused particularly on the characteristics of causal acts stipulated in Art. 190 a of the Polish Criminal Code. RESEARCH RESULTS: The Polish legislator was correct, that was necessary amending the former criminal law regulations on the criminal offence of stalking, due to an observable surge in cyberbullying during the pandemic. It was also resonable tightening the penal liability for committing qualified stalking and extending descriptions of prohibited acts by adding new crime qualities should be also viewed as justified and beneficial. However, increasing penal measures for criminal offences stipulated in Art. 190.a.1 and 2 of the Criminal Code should not be approved of. CONCLUSIONS, INNOVATIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Despite of the changes introduced in the Polish criminal law cannot be fully justified as properly addressing international appeals for tackling gender-based cyberbullying, all in all, they should be seen as a step in the right direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]