Your own cell phone can be used to help someone stalk you.
As an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, I thought I was familiar with the many ways victims can be stalked. But since attending the recent NC Conference of District Attorneys’ Stalking in the Digital Age conference in Raleigh, I have learned about disturbing ways that computers and cell phones can deliver potentially dangerous details about our whereabouts.
The information is especially timely as we mark October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Cell phones with GPS “locator service” are a key culprit. If activated, anyone with the account information can see where a cell phone is located and, by extension, where its owner likely is.
Abusers have been known to give such devices as gifts, especially to children. Tragically, battered woman have already been found and harmed in shelters this way.
Another safety concern is information provided unwittingly by the at-risk individual through social networking sites, site as Facebook. A recent “upgrade” in the Facebook system makes phone numbers available – but they can be protected by adjusting privacy settings.
At-risk individuals and others concerned about their privacy should following these steps to restrict access to their phone number: Select “Account” at the top of your Facebook page. Next, click on “Privacy settings.” Select “Custom,” then “Customize Settings.” Next, click on “Contact Info.” You can then customize your phones numbers for “only me” or whatever level you want.
For more information, visit the Stalking Resource Center at the National Center for Victims of Crime and Safety Net Project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.