Cyberstalking is becoming a serious problem for people seeking a Pasadena divorce. Even if your spouse is not physically aggressive, technology makes it easy for him or her to threaten, harass, and intimidate you online. Cyberstalking can take many forms, ranging from spreading lies that damage your reputation to keeping tabs on your daily activities from afar or running up debt in your name.
To defend yourself against cyberstalking:
- When you decide to leave your spouse, change the password on all of your online accounts to something he or she can’t guess or invest in a password manager to ensure account security. Contact your bank and credit card company to make sure your spouse is not allowed to make any changes to the accounts for any reason.
- Set up a Google alert for your name to monitor what is being said about you online. Cyberstalkers often create blogs, web pages, or social media profiles about their targets. For women, “revenge porn” is a growing problem. This practice refers to publishing intimate photos that were intended for personal use to public accounts in an attempt to shame or embarrass the target.
- If you have any reason at all to think that your spouse may be cyberstalking you, have your computer checked out by a professional. Spyware, viruses, and keystroke loggers can all be used to monitor your online activities.
- Abusers often track their victims via smartphone GPS, so getting a new phone and a new phone number is a good safety precaution.
If your spouse is cyberstalking you, you can file a report with your local law enforcement agency. Document all inappropriate behavior by printing copies of any emails, social media posts, blog entries, or other cyberstalking attempts. If your spouse is also physically threatening you, your attorney can help you seek a restraining order.
How Can We Help?
If you are in need of legal representation during your divorce, please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com. Our Pasadena divorce lawyers are eager to advocate for your needs throughout the settlement process.