How Can I Stop My Ex From Cyberstalking Me?

 Posted on July 20, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can bring out different sides of people. Spouses who seem tough as nails sometimes fall apart during divorce, and people who are perceived as nice or even meek can become difficult once the divorce papers are filed. In some cases, a spouse who seems centered and well-balanced may become obsessed with his or her ex after the divorce and engage in stalking.

Stalking is sometimes done in person, where the stalker shows up at the victim’s residence or place of work, steals the victim’s pet, leaves objects for the victim to find, or persistently tails the victim. However, doing any of these things once is generally not considered stalking. Stalking usually refers to someone repeatedly violating the privacy of someone else.

In today’s digital world, stalking can be done through technology. This article will discuss forms of cyberstalking, or electronic stalking, and what to do about it. One of the ways to stop cyberstalking is through an order of protection, which we will explore. If you feel you are being stalked, the best course of action is to contact an Illinois order of protection attorney to discuss your legal options.

What Is Cyberstalking?

Cyberstalking refers to when someone uses digital media and technology to stalk someone else. Examples of cyberstalking include:

• Tracking a person’s location using GPS

• Sending unwanted text messages to someone, especially from various numbers to circumvent blocking

• Sending frightening or obscene emails

• Tracking a person’s digital activity by installing spyware on his or her computer or phone

• Threatening, bullying, or harassing someone on social media

• Doxxing someone online, which means publicly disclosing his or her private information

Although cyberstalking is not in person, it can be just as frightening. Someone who is a victim of cyberstalking may experience anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How Can I Stop My Ex From Cyberstalking Me?

There are simple precautions you can take to prevent or try to stop someone like your ex from cyberstalking you, such as:

• Changing your passwords

• Blocking your ex’s number and email address

• Being cautious about posting on social media, or refraining from posting to social media at all

Another option is to speak to your attorney about asking the court for an order of protection. When a judge issues an order of protection, it legally prohibits the subject of the order from taking certain actions. Some orders of protection prevent people from contacting their children or their spouses during divorce if there are concerns about abuse. You may be able to obtain an order of protection prohibiting your ex from contacting you, and he or she can be arrested for violating that order.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Order of Protection Attorney

Cyberstalking, like in-person stalking, can cause serious trauma and mental suffering. If you feel you are being cyberstalked, contact the experienced attorneys at the Pesce Law Group, P.C.. We take the safety of our clients personally and we will guide you through the order of protection process. Call 630-352-2240 to schedule a free consultation with a Naperville, IL order of protection lawyer.