The British series Baby Reindeer, released on Netflix, highlights the horrific reality of being a cyberstalker. Have you encountered anything similar? If yes, read on to learn more!
The Netflix show is based on Richard Judd’s autobiographical one-man play and tells the story of Donnie, a failed comedian who becomes the target of Martha, a woman he meets at a local bar.
More or less 7.5 million individuals are cyberstalked each year based on the latest figures. This is also known as technical stalking, and approximately 80% of all stalking victims have experienced it while 67% have experienced traditional forms of stalking as well.
Related: When My Husband Said This To Our Marriage Counselor, I Knew He Was A Narcissist
A 2020 study showed that one reason men don’t report being stalked is because they worry that no one will take them seriously or believe what they say. The helplessness and anger Donnie feels during “Baby Reindeer” resonates with anyone who has been stalked online.
The truth about cyberstalking
Cyberstalking is becoming more common than traditional physical stalking. It can include many different types of intrusive behavior, such as non-stop messaging, tracking your location, collecting personal information, online trolling, and cyberbullying.
Online stalkers can be strangers or people you know such as ex-partners or people from dating apps. In extreme cases, this may include making direct threats to harm you or contacting your loved ones.
How to deal with an online stalker?
If you are being stalked online, here are some important things below
1. Document everything
Keep detailed records of every abusive behavior taken against you. Take screenshots of emails, text messages, social media posts, or voicemail messages as digital evidence; Make sure these records have the sender’s name, recipient’s name(s), date sent/received, and timestamp on them.
2. Increase your online privacy
Make your profiles private by improving your social media privacy settings and unfriending any suspicious profiles; Change passwords frequently; Completely block/unfriend suspected stalkers from accessing information about where you live, work, go to school, etc.; Stop sharing plans publicly or privately through messaging apps, etc.
3. Contact the authorities
If there are threats to physical safety or harassment that escalate beyond control, immediately contact your local police department; Also consider taking legal action since all states have laws against cyberstalking — and speaking with a legal attorney about protective orders may help as well.
4. Inform friends and family
Inform trusted friends/family members of what is happening so they can be vigilant if this person contacts them; Having your loved ones know about the situation also provides emotional support during these difficult times.
#You’re not alone in this!
Wondering how to deal with an online stalker can be one of the loneliest experiences, but always remember that you are never alone in this.
Sharing your story with close friends or trustworthy family members may help guide you through these dark moments. Taking proactive measures will greatly enhance your safety and give you inner peace as well.
