The Wire

A Sydney law researcher has spoken out about the growing problem of cyber stalking and the legal hurdles that prevent perpetrators from being brought to justice. Professor of Law at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Dr Yega Muthu, has written a paper claiming that victims of cyberspace harassment can suffer from psychiatric conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cyber stalking includes sending offensive emails and text messages, as well as publishing offensive material relating to the person on the internet. Last month a Victorian man was found guilty of cyber stalking after sending friends and relatives of an ex-girlfriend emails that showed her performing various sex acts. He was jailed for 12 months and fined $2,500. But while legislation has been enacted across Australia on the issue, there are problems with tracking down the perpetrators – who could be anywhere in the world – and proving that a psychiatric disorder is a result of stalking.