Cyberstalking is a common means for abusers to continue to control their victims.
Turns out, your ex doesn’t need to be some kind of high-tech hacker or computer genius in order to mine tons of personal data from your cellphone, tablet, or computer. Simple spyware apps like mSpy are now in widespread use by abusers as a means to monitor and control their victims. Domestic violence shelter workers report that many victims that come to them for help don’t realize just how vulnerable they may be online. Shelters and other groups that advocate against domestic violence are now making a point of trying to educate victims of the importance of doing a “digital detox” or giving up Facebook, GPS, and wi-fi on their mobile devices. According to a survey conducted by NPR at over 70 domestic violence shelters:
- 85 percent of shelters have seen cases where abusers tracked victims with GPS
- 75 percent have seen cases where abusers eavesdropped on victims using cellphone spyware
- 54 percent require everyone visiting the shelter to disable GPS on their mobile devices
- 47 percent have banned Facebook on their premises
Are You Being Cyberstalked?
If your abuser seems to know too much, maybe they’re always managing to show up “coincidentally” whenever you go out, maybe they’re making comments about a new relationship they should know nothing about, or maybe they’re berating you about private details of a conversation you had with your attorney or counselor. It’s entirely possible that they’re getting their information through cyberstalking. Apps like mSpy make cyberstalking very easy all it takes is a couple of minutes alone with your unlocked cell phone or computer and they can install the software, which then hides in an innocent-looking system folder. The app will funnel all kinds of personal information back to the stalker, including:
- Your contact list
- Call logs showing calls made and received
- Text messages sent and received
- Call recordings
- Web activity logs showing all sites you visit
- Keystroke logs showing everything you type including passwords
- Photos & videos taken by you or sent to you
- GPS logs for places you’ve visited
- Live GPS location data
Besides collecting data, the mSpy app can also give the stalker the ability to make certain changes to your smartphone. For example, if they see you are receiving calls from a new flame or from anyone they don’t want you talking to, they can block the number. They can also silence the ringer and then enable an eavesdropping feature that turns your phone into a recorder every time the phone rings even if you don’t answer it. When it comes to protecting yourself from cyberstalking by a domestic violence abuser, it’s better to be safe than sorry take steps now to protect yourself by turning off your smartphone and contacting a domestic violence attorney for help getting a restraining order.
