Domestic violence is defined by Nevada Revised Statutes (“NRS”) 33.018 and includes “a knowing, purposeful or reckless course of conduct intended to harass the other person” including stalking.
Family law is very information driven because of the intimate nature of the relationship. A partner or spouse knows a lot of information that may not be readily accessible to the general public- our favorite color, number, name of our first dog, etc. That information can be used to engage in activities that include stalking.
Cyberstalking is engaging in a course of conduct to communicate or cause to be committed, directly or indirectly- words, images or language by and through the use of electronic mail or electronic communications, directed at or pertaining to a specific person. Cyberstalking is unwanted communication that continues over a period of time and in some cases the victim does not know who is engaging in the cyberstalking.
When ending a relationship, a lot people change passwords. However, that is not enough! Besides changing passwords, you also need to take steps to change the security questions. Why?
You change your password because you believe someone is accessing your email, but you don’t change the security questions. Let’s say that for the specific email account there are recovery or security questions. A lot us select easy things to remember- the name of our first pet or the name of our best friend. A spouse or intimate partner likely has that information and could use those answer to recover the email after the password has been changed. So, change the security questions and answers too when you change the password!
When changing your password, do not use a single word, use a string of words- song lyrics, Bible verse, a quote. Remember, select something new, something that you have not shared with anyone!
In most cases, our cellphones contain a significant amount of data which can be used nefariously by the someone with the intent to harm us. Our cellphones contains banking information, password sharing software, etc. All of that can be used to cause us harm when a relationship has or is ending. Take proactive steps now to protect yourself!
There is available software that can allow someone with the right information to install on a cellphone or computer to monitor information. The cost to clone a cellphone is less than $10.00 and allows access to real time locations, calendaring applications, social media posts, browser history, etc.
At a recent continuing legal education conference, a speaker told us that 66% of women and 41% of men are stalked by current or former romantic partners. Those numbers are staggering and we need to take steps to protect ourselves now!