Divorce is a time when privacy is paramount. But even if you keep to yourself, it feels like someone is watching you. If your spouse seems to know where you are or what you have said in private conversations, you might be a victim of cyberstalking.
What cyberstalking means
Cyberstalking is more than checking a person’s social media profile. While snooping may not be illegal, cyberstalking is unlawful in Florida. Under state law, this behavior is a continuous, unwanted and disruptive intrusion.
A cyberstalker intends to cause substantial emotional distress to you. This includes communicating with you through email or electronic communication and accessing your online accounts or internet-connected home systems without permission.
What digital stalking looks like
These are the common examples of cyberstalking:
- Sending multiple texts or emails to disrupt your peace
- Threatening you with harsh language to cause fear
- Publishing your private information with malicious intent
- Impersonating you online to tarnish your reputation
- Posting or threatening to share intimate images without your consent
If you have experienced any of these red flags during divorce, understand that you have rights against cyberstalking.
Why this issue matters
The courts take these privacy violations seriously. Engaging in cyberstalking can impact child custody decisions, as a judge may determine that a parent who engages in digital harassment is a risk to the child’s emotional well-being.
Because you are dealing with a spouse or former household member, state law provides a specific path for safety. You may seek an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. In Florida, the definition of domestic violence includes cyberstalking. A successful injunction can establish an immediate, temporary child support and time-sharing schedule.
Taking your next steps
If you suspect you are being monitored, trust your gut. Document every interaction, change your passwords from a secure device and avoid deleting suspicious messages. Seeking legal counsel can help you learn more about your options in this situation.