The focus for Victims' Awareness Week 2026 is on cyber crime - what it is, how it can be tackled, and what support is out there for people who have been impacted. 

As part of this year's campaign, we asked our partners at Action Against Stalking to write about how technology can be used in stalking cases, and what support is available for victims of these types of crime. Read on to find out more.


Cybercrime, Stalking, and Tech Abuse: When Harm Goes Digital

When people hear the term cyber crime, they often think of hacking, scams, or identity theft. But cyber crime also plays a growing role in stalking and abuse. For many victims, stalking doesn’t just happen in the physical world, it follows them into their phones, inboxes, social media accounts, and online spaces.

Stalking, tech abuse, and digital stalking often overlap. The use of technology as a tool to monitor, control, intimidate, or frighten someone is becoming more prevalent. And because so much of daily life now happens online, this kind of abuse can feel constant and inescapable.

What does digital stalking and tech abuse look like?

Digital stalking can take many forms, and it isn’t always obvious at first. It may include repeated unwanted messages, emails, or comments across multiple platforms, even after someone has made it clear they don’t want contact. Some perpetrators create fake accounts to continue contact or monitor a victim’s activity without their knowledge.

Tech abuse can also involve excessive monitoring, such as constantly checking when someone is online, demanding immediate replies, or using location-sharing, apps, or smart devices to track movements. In more extreme cases, perpetrators may attempt to access accounts, guess passwords, install spyware, or impersonate someone online.

These behaviours are not about communication or concern; they are about control. Even when individual actions seem small, the cumulative impact can be distressing and frightening, especially when the behaviour is persistent and escalating.

Why cyber crime matters in stalking cases

Digital abuse is often minimised because it doesn’t leave physical marks. But its impact is very real. Victims may always feel watched, anxious about posting online, or afraid to use their own devices. The digital nature of the abuse can also make it harder to explain to others, particularly when the behaviour is dismissed as “just messages” or “online drama”.

Importantly, digital evidence such as messages, call logs, screenshots, app activity can play a key role in recognising and proving stalking. What might look like isolated incidents can reveal a clear pattern when viewed together.

Staying safer and getting support

If you’re experiencing digital stalking or tech abuse, you’re not overreacting. Trust your instincts. Keeping records of unwanted contact, taking screenshots, and noting dates and times can be helpful.

Rather than blocking which can sometimes escalate behaviour or cause you to lose evidence consider muting accounts, conversations, or notifications. This can reduce the immediate emotional impact while still allowing you to document what’s happening.

You don’t have to handle this alone. Specialist stalking advocacy services such as Action Against Stalking can help you understand what’s happening, assess risk, and explore options that prioritise your safety, both online and offline. We can also support you in speaking to the police or other professionals if you choose to do so.

Website: actionagainststalking.org/self-referral

Helpline: 0800 820 2427

Email: support@actionagainststalking.org

Cybercrime and stalking thrive in silence and confusion. Naming the behaviour, understanding it, and getting the right support are powerful steps toward regaining control.

Victim Support Scotland can support you with the impact of any type of crime, including all kinds of cyber crime.

Self-referral form: Request Support | Victim Support Scotland

Helpline: 0800 160 1985