If your stalker uses the internet, apps or other forms of technology to make unwanted contact with you, this is called digital stalking. Examples include the following:
- Social media messaging
- Digital surveillance via hacking email, social media profiles, etc.
- Sharing personal images or information
- Identity fraud where the stalker orders goods in your name without your consent
It can be very difficult to know if you're a victim of digital stalking, and if you're unsure, we recommend asking for help to investigate. To get started, you can start by answering the following questions yourself:
- Have you shared your login details with a former friend or boyfriend who is now misusing them?
- What technical skills does the person you suspect of digital stalking have?
- Have you suddenly installed unfamiliar programs on your computer/phone?
- Does your stalker know things about you that you haven't shared with others? For example, your location, files or images
If you can answer yes or agree to the above questions, it may indicate that your stalker has unwanted access to your private devices. The answers to these questions can also be a good starting point for a conversation with the relevant authorities or in a non-binding and confidential conversation with Ellestedet.
Documentation is important
If you want to go to the police with your suspicion of digital stalking, or any other form of stalking, it is important that you save all documentation of the unwanted behavior as far as possible. This could be screenshots of messages, call logs or unwanted access to your accounts - it is important that the time/date is clearly stated.
How can you prevent digital stalking yourself?
If you want to take action to prevent digital stalking, here's what you can do:
- Update systems and apps to the latest versions
- Use both strong and different passwords for your accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication on your devices
- Keep an eye on the WiFi you access
- Delete unfamiliar programs or apps on your phone
- Review your sync settings and make sure your device is not syncing with a device you don't know
- Many apps use location services to improve user experience - turn them off in settings
- Review your social media privacy settings - for example, make your account private
Back in 2019, psychological violence was criminalized with a special section in the Criminal Code. It reads as follows:
§ 243. Anyone who belongs to or is closely associated with another person's household or has previously had such an association with the household, and who repeatedly over a period of time subjects the other person to grossly degrading, insulting or offensive behavior that is likely to unduly control the other person, is punished for psychological violence with a fine or imprisonment of up to 3 years.
If you have reached the point where you want to report psychological violence, it is a good idea to ask for a legal aid lawyer. A legal aid
lawyer is free of charge and can give you the right advice and guidance regarding the applicable legislation and the further course of action. This is done in parallel with the police investigating your case.