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6 Jul 2011 09:19:02
Victims of on-line stalking
say mobile phone operators, internet service providers and social networking
sites aren’t doing enough to help them. That’s the initial findings of research
undertaken by the University of Bedfordshire’s National Centre for
Cyber-stalking Research (NCCR).
The research project has been run in conjunction with the charity Network for Surviving Stalking and shows that three in ten cyber-stalking victims feel let down by their service providers.
The NCCR was set up in a bid
to address the need for research and analysis of this increased threat to
individuals and society. Co-Director Professor Carsten Maple said: “Clearly
victims feel there is more that could be done by those providing
services. Currently victims cannot
get a mobile phone operator to ban calls or texts from a specified telephone
number; if the abuse happened on a landline providers would certainly bar the
number.
"Equally, methods for reporting behaviour and subsequent action against perpetrators through social networking sites and internet forums are felt to be inadequate."
More than 350 people took part in the survey and the findings provide insight on the effects of cyber-stalking. Nearly half of all victims reported giving up social activities and almost 20 per cent said it had caused their relationship to break down.
Dr Emma Short is a Chartered Psychologist at the University and Co-Director of the Centre. She said: “The psychological impact of cyber-stalking should not be underestimated. We screened victims for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and found similar rates of trauma to those found following events recognised to be extremely traumatic; such as sexual assaults or bombing.”
Alexis Bowater, Chief Executive of Network for Surviving Stalking, said: “The internet has benefits for millions worldwide but there is a hidden menace – cyber-stalking is a global epidemic and victims need help and support to know what to do and where to turn to when it’s happening to them. There is a need for all service providers to come to the table now and try and help find a solution.”
The full report was released during a debate, ‘Cyber-stalking & Bullying - A Global Epidemic’, on Thursday, 7 July in the gallery of law firm, Collyer
Bristow in London.
Rhory Robertson, partner at the firm said: “The law struggles to keep up with social networking, as the opportunities are there for those who abuse their access to cyber space. Victims often feel powerless to put a stop to the stalker's activities particularly when the stalker is operating outside the jurisdiction of the UK. The EU and the United Nations need to address the problem on a global basis.”
Downloadable copies of the
report are available online at www.beds.ac.uk/echo
Latest news» 2011» July» Uni’s cyber-stalking Centre uncovers alarming figures
