Targeted assaults, lasting any amount of time, at a high intensity, that cause harm, intentionally exploiting vulnerabilities. Harassment is an attack on human dignity, reputation and privacy, with the goal of silencing and/or curtailing the target’s digital participation.
Password Authentication Recovery account Digital hygiene Phone/Tablet Encryption Malware Location Report to platform Block user Safety Support Sexual Harassment Computer/Laptop Criminal chargesBecause harassment comes in many shapes and forms, it can be reported as a number of different criminal offenses.
Sexual harassment (art. 182b of the Criminal code) explicitly mentions verbal forms of assaults, but necessitates the filing of a motion to initiate criminal proceedings with the Public prosecutor. In other words, you must inform the police and the Public prosecutor - a standard procedure - as well as file a motion to initiate the proceedings.
ADVICE: File the motion. The courts are a crucial component of protection against harassment.
Endangering safety, one of the many consequences of harassment, under art. 138 of the Criminal Code, provides another legal basis for protection. In this case, public prosecutors and police are mandated to follow up, investigate and responsible for protection. As the filing party, you are responsible for collecting evidence needed for filing the criminal charges. This option is especially relevant for (female) journalists.
ADVICE: Explain in detail how, why and when you feel unsafe, and detail your concern for the safety of your family and loved ones. These details could be the key to success when it comes to court proceedings.
Password Authentication Recovery account Digital hygiene Phone/Tablet Encryption Malware Location Report to platform Block user Safety Support Sexual Harassment Computer/Laptop Criminal chargesThere is always an inherent risk that online harassment will transition to the physical world. For this reason, physical safety is a crucial precondition for any other form of meaningful protection. In terms of mental protection, sometimes it is helpful to take a break or minimize time spent on social media platforms, or those platforms of communication where you are targeted with harassment. Talking to friends, family, partners and colleagues about harassment can also be helpful in creating a system of support.
Blocking , filtering and reporting options on social media platforms can often serve as a helpful tool for documenting harassment.
The DeleteMe tool can help find and remove your personal information from some websites.
Reaching out for support professional associations and support groups is another method for dealing with harassment.
Several investigative journalists and their networks track down perpetrators of online harassment by analysing their digital footprint. This has been an effective mechanism for not only the identification of perpetrators, but also exposing them and their crimes to public scrutiny.
In Serbia, female journalists can find support through the initiative “Female Journalists against violence”, and dozens of other feminist organizations that offer services for individuals targeted with violence, including online.
If you ever feel that the online violence you’re experiencing, might transition into the physical world, call the police → immediately.
Password Authentication Recovery account Digital hygiene Phone/Tablet Encryption Malware Location Report to platform Block user Safety Support Sexual Harassment Computer/Laptop Criminal charges