When we think about stalking, an image already starts to form in our mind. Someone creeping in the shadows, lurking through our windows, harassing messages/items at work, home or school. As technology advances, so do crimes and the ways in which they are committed. Stalking is no exception to this rule, on the contrary, it is based on new technology. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Stalking is defined as “the act or crime of intentionally and repeatedly following or harassing another person under circumstances that would cause a reasonable person to fear injury” or death especially because of explicit or implicit threats.” In simplified terms, stalking is any action that affects a person's sense of safety. Nowhere in that definition does it refer to the use of technology to commit the act of stalking. With the advent of the Internet, social media and other forms of social communication, a new form of stalking opens up. It is difficult to identify stalking through online forums, otherwise known as cyberstalking. A message sent via social media might seem innocent, but if it is persistent it can be considered stalking. However, most people see it this way because it is done online and not in person. The definition of stalking leaves no room to ignore cyberstalking. Regardless of whether the person is not personally persecuted, their safety will be compromised. With stalking, most of us believe that only women suffer from this crime. With the advancement of technology, it has emerged that men are more likely to experience cyberstalking than women. This fact stems from the notion that actions taken by a man are seen as criminal compared to those taken by a woman; Put bluntly, there is a double standard when it comes to crime. There is not only a difference between male and female victims but a difference between those who commit the act of stalking and those who carry out the act of stalking and cyberstalking. Society believes that stalking acts are committed by strangers or crazed fans, but in reality, just like the act of rape, the perpetrators of stalking and cyberstalking are usually someone the victims know quite well. The fact that they know them as friends, acquaintances, or even as significant partners does not make the crime any less scary or painful. The act of stalking and cyberstalking are crimes that many do not take seriously. However, the effect these crimes have on their victims is very real and very serious. Due to the fact that victims have to change the daily routine of their lives, victims may suffer from emotional and/or psychological distress. Victims may also suffer from financial and work-related difficulties. Overall, victims of stalking and cyberstalking experience a serious deterioration in their lifestyle. That said, we see a huge gap in the reporting of stalking and cyberstalking. Victims of these crimes don't report it because they believe the crime isn't serious enough to report or that the police wouldn't be able to do much to help. Victims first seek help from friends and family as a support system. Victims simply don't report the crime because they don't want to exasperate the stalker or make his advances worse. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Whatever we publish on the Internet is out there forever once published. This is not an excuse.