Hi Amy,
Depending on your state, this could qualify for a formal report of harassment or stalking/cyberstalking through the police (it also could certainly be added
as an example of the abusive bx on a petition for a peace order/CPO). A formal report could act as a deterrent (I’ve worked with some abusive partners for whom this really helped limit the stalking/harassing bx); but, as we also know, it could fuel more abuse—you
and your student should think this through carefully.
I did my diss on the impact of cyberstalking on university victims a few years back—It documented traumatic sx increase, academic disruption, etc. as a result
of cyberstalking behaviors like the one you describe. I didn’t publish it but am happy to share it backchannel with anyone for whom this would be helpful.
Nancy
Nancy F. Hensler, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist
Coordinator, Group Therapy Program
Counseling Center
Towson University
Towson, MD 21252
410-704-5105 v
410-704-3453 f
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From: Amy Cleckler [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 2:58 PM
To:
Subject: Advice on addressing cyber-harassment?
Hello, Colleagues~
I have a student/client issue that I have never had to deal with before! I hope that some of you can share some ideas and insights on how I can best assist the student.
I suppose the best way to describe the behavior is cyber-harassment. The client's emotionally abusive partner created a web site to disparage her and her academic advisor. The language used on the site (which has now been taken down) was incriminating and could
hurt her professionally, but there were no direct libelous statements, per se, although full names were used. Client is obviously concerned that this behavior will continue or increase in severity when she ends the relationship. (The offending party is *NOT*
affiliated with the university, so there is no potential for recourse within student conduct channels.)
I'm kind of surprised this hasn't come up before with other clients. Has anyone dealt with this before? If so:
-
How did you help your student/client?
-
Did your student/client try to seek a county restraining/no-contact order, or was this even an option?
-
Are there other avenues of recourse available when the offending partner is not a student?
-
Other ideas or advice?
Thanks, everyone!
-Amy
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campus?
PACT is the Duke Women’s Center Bystander Intervention Training aimed at preventing gender violence on campus. Learn how you and your friends can have a positive impact! Interested
in planning a training for your organization? Email .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amy Cleckler, MSW, MPH, LCSW
Gender Violence Prevention and Services Coordinator
Duke University Women's Center
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Box 90920
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