The impact of cyberstalking: review and analysis of the ECHO pilot project

Abstract

The impact of cyberstalking on victims is increasing rapidly due to the spread and heightened importance of electronic communications in modern society. This paper reports the results of a survey concerning the methods and impact of cyberstalking. The ECHO (Electronic Communication Harassment Observation) pilot project was a six month survey developed in collaboration with The Network for Surviving Stalking to establish a knowledgebase to define behaviours and responses which may enable authorities to recognize and respond to cyberstalking more quickly and effectively. The diversity of population that has experienced sustained online harassment and the particular trauma related thoughts and beliefs that victims experience are also investigated.