You have a right to work in an environment that is free from the stress caused by harassment, and that includes online harassment, which comes in various forms.
You have not had any problem with harassment of any kind until you started working at your current place of employment. This is why you believe a coworker is behind the disturbing messages you are receiving now.
The first case
The crime of cyber harassment first went to court in 2004. The perpetrator, who had harassed his ex-girlfriend and her co-workers with sexually explicit emails for several years, pleaded guilty to “Use of a Telecommunications Device with Intent to Annoy, Abuse, Threaten or Harass.”
Living life online
Office workers are familiar with using the internet daily for research, social media interaction, and the sending and receiving of emails. You and your colleagues are vulnerable to cyberstalking and online threats. According to a survey undertaken by Rad Campaign, Lincoln Park Strategies and craigconnects, 25 percent of internet users have suffered bullying, threats or harassment online, and for those who are under 35 years of age, the number nearly doubles.
Tracking down perpetrators
In the 2004 cyber harassment case, the victim finally went to the police who then worked with a cybercrime task force, which included the FBI, the United States Secret Service and the IRS, to investigate and collect evidence. A criminal defense attorney will tell you that in the years since, law enforcement strategies have improved along with help, when needed, from social media watchdogs.
What you can do
Begin keeping a log that shows the date and time of the harassment incidents you are experiencing. Your records should include screenshots and hard copies. Share this information with your attorney. The level of harassment, how often it is happening and any thoughts you might have about the identity of the perpetrator will be helpful in terms of launching an investigation. Remember that you should be able to work in an atmosphere entirely free of cyber harassment – or any other kind – and you can rely on an advocate who will see to the protection of your rights.