How To Stop Online Harassment When Pursuing A Divorce

It is well understood that divorce is emotionally challenging, and unfortunately, there are situations where ex-partners resort to online harassment rather than handle their stress inappropriately. If you are receiving harassing messages on digital platforms as you navigate the divorce process, know that there are strategies to stop and address such behavior.

Share the specifics of your circumstances with an experienced Florida divorce lawyer. Then, your Tampa family lawyer can provide you with ways to deal with online harassment effectively and achieve a smoother divorce process.

Different Forms of Digital Harassment

Digital harassment during a divorce can take several forms, and it can be helpful to understand the different forms and why an ex-partner may choose one over another so that you can identify and combat these behaviors. Some common forms of online harassment include the following.

• When an ex is excessively monitoring online activities, such as taking a detailed review of social media posts, emails, and messages on a regular basis, they may be cyberstalking to collect information that will later be used to manipulate, threaten, or intimidate.
• Online defamation. Using digital platforms to falsely accuse, spread rumors, or share private information, is online defamation. People do this with the intent of harming their ex-spouse’s reputation.
• Harassing messages. If your ex-partner is sending repeated, offensive, or threatening messages through one or more online platforms, they may be doing so to upset you or see it as a way to punish you for pursuing a divorce. These unwanted messages could be sent through social media, email, texts, or through other digital communication channels.

Dealing with online harassment during a divorce can be distressing, but simply wishing it would stop is not an effective strategy. Instead, you may need to employ tactics to protect yourself and put an end to the online harassment.

Securing Your Digital Presence

One of the first things you should do is to keep a record of all instances of online harassment, including saving emails and taking screenshots of social media content. If you choose to move forward with legal action later, this documentation will serve as evidence.

Next, take steps to restrict communication and strengthen your online presence. A handful of security steps you can take include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your privacy settings. You can also block or restrict the harasser’s access to your online platforms, which could minimize their ability to contact or monitor you.

And, of course, share all evidence of online harassment with your Tampa family lawyer. Once they are familiar with the online harassment you are experiencing, they can advise you on legal options available to address the situation, such as filing for protection orders.

Who is sending you upsetting messages? Online harassment from an ex-partner can exacerbate the already challenging experience of divorce, but the legal team at Blair H. Chan, III can help. If necessary, a lawyer can initiate legal action, including filing civil lawsuits for defamation, invasion of privacy, or harassment. Call 813-280-5301 to schedule a consultation.