Cyberstalking can be defined as threatening behavior or unwanted advances directed at another using the Internet and other forms of online and computer communications.
Stalkers come from every walk of life and every socio-economic background. Virtually anyone can be a stalker, just as anyone can be a stalking survivor. There are, however, some general categories that stalkers fit into.
Women of color face additional barriers based on the intersections of race and gender. Women of color often face “double jeopardy” in terms of racism and sexism that influences one’s access to resources and safety.
Those societal and cultural barriers that minimize a survivor’s options. These are ways that our culture and institutions make it very difficult for a survivor to become independent. Some systems often work to maintain women’s unequal status, which forces women to remain in harmful situations. The perpetuation of victim-blaming practices can pressure women to stay in abusive relationship. Options are limited and non-judgmental support is not always given.
Personal barriers are the barriers created by the perpetrator in order to maintain power and control. These barriers are usually the tactics shown on the power and control wheel.
