Have you ever felt harassed on social media, the famous stalking, on the phone or in person?
Or have you ever found yourself investigating someone for long periods of time? The internet, with all its advantages, has also brought with it significant challenges, such as stalking.
This behaviour, which transcends the virtual environment and can manifest itself physically, is now considered a crime.
Understanding harassment
Stalking is when someone invasively follows and monitors your actions, causing discomfort or insecurity.
Similar laws have been in place in the US since 1990. On social media, it is common to follow people we admire.
However, it is crucial to recognise the acceptable limits of this admiration, both socially and legally.
Harassment in the lives of professional escorts
Many escorts choose to use fictitious names in advertisements or in settings such as nightclubs to maintain their privacy.
Despite efforts to hide personal information from clients, an oversight can lead to these details being discovered, putting the professional at risk. For example, it is common to hear of escorts who have been traced on social networks such as Facebook by clients.
In one case, after an escort refused a service, a client used the information she discovered to blackmail her.
Impact of stalking on mental health
Constant harassment by a stalker can lead to disorders such as panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia and depression.
Many escorts hesitate to report to the police for fear of exposing their profession, especially in small towns.
How to react to harassment
If you are a victim of harassment, the first step is to stay calm and think clearly. If possible, talk to the harasser to try to get them to stop, always trying to record the interaction for future evidence.
Avoid immediately threatening police action, as this could escalate the harassment. Tell a trusted friend about the situation and start documenting everything from screenshots to call recordings.
If the calls become excessive, consider changing your phone number, keeping the old one active temporarily so as not to alert the harasser.
If the behaviour persists, do not hesitate to go to the police and file a report. Your safety should be your priority, and the law is on your side.
Conclusion
The Skokka platform understands the importance of the safety and privacy of the professionals who use its services.
This guide is part of our commitment to providing information that helps our users protect themselves and navigate their careers safely.