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How can you use FollowItApp to record cyberstalking incidents?

In the last decades the internet has become deeply embedded in our lives. Although online spaces tend to be perceived as safe and equal, the reality is that many forms of violence against women have been transported to these spaces, and stalking is not the exception.

Increasingly we see stalkers use the internet to track, intimidate, harass and abuse women. This is known as cyberstalking. From unwanted social media messages and comments to getting your online accounts hacked, there are many ways in which you can be cyberstalked.

Last year we launched FollowItApp, a mobile app that helps women keep a record of stalking. The logs can be used to build a picture of the stalking and it can assist you in reporting the situation to the police, if you wish to do so.

In this blog we explain some ways in which you can use FollowItApp to record cyberstalking.

1. Upload screenshots of the cyberstalking incidents

Our app gives you the option to upload photos and videos. This way you can create a visual record of what’s happening to you. Some of the things you can screenshot are:

• Unwanted messages you received on social media or by email
• Unwanted sexual or non-sexual images
• Attempts to break into your account — for example, notifications that someone attempted to change your password or use your online accounts
• Repeated friend or follow requests.

2. Describe how the incident of cyberstalking made you feel

The impact of cyberstalking (and online abuse in general) should never be minimised. We know that cyberstalking, like any form of abuse, has real-life consequences for women. It can cause distress, fear, anxiety and make you feel unsafe or unable to do your usual activities.

FollowItApp gives you the option to describe the feelings you experienced as a result of the incident and the ways in which it is affecting your wellbeing.

3. Add information about the stalker

In the app you can include details about a stalker to make a connection between him and the incidents you are recording.

• If you know the stalker, this feature can help you add details such as his name and his relationship to you. You only need to do this once.
• If you don’t know the stalker, you can add information such as the username or profile name he uses whenever he attempts to contact you.

Remember…

Stalking is a form of abuse and in Scotland it is considered a crime, whether it happens online or not — it only takes 2 incidents for the stalking to become criminal.

We recently wrote a blog about stalking and the law in Scotland, where we share some insights on accessing justice when you have been stalked. Our legal guide on reporting stalking to the police is also a handy resource with lots of useful information about your rights and what to expect.