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When To Alert Authorities When You're Miles Away?-
8 years ago
General
Sorry I haven't responded to anyone yet I've been really mentally drained today...
A dear friend of mine had to deactivate their account on instagram because of a hate blog that stole their art and was saying some EXTREMELY racist, trans/homophobic, and hateful things in general and of course they had to steal one of my art pieces that I had made them.
Long story short a troll turned out to be a manipulative bully that apparently knows and lives near my friend IRL. They threatened a lot of things and admitted they are only friends with my friend to manipulate them.
I've known way too many people that lost to being abused and either committed suicide or knew others that did..And I know my friend wouldn't unless something really bad came up but...they're really important to me and I just...can't help but worry.
I've looked into different laws but I'm not sure what I'm looking for exactly so I'm posting it here. If something were to happen and my friend was harmed or harassed in any way, could I, being thousands of miles away, give the police proof from the dms that happened on instagram? Like, would that be evidence enough? The person of course didn't give their name or any information about them so it wouldn't be GUARANTEED proof that it's one person in particular. But maybe they'd be able to do some deep web shit or IP tracking?? Idk. I'm just really worried and socially and mentally exhausted...I talk a big game but in reality I'm unsure of what to do in this situation other than organize a way for that friend to move in with us but that requires money that I don't have yet and they still take classes.
I don't know what to do guys...I'm just freaked out. The way they said some of the things they said was just...concerning. And my friend and I are talking it out now and trying to figure out who they knew WOULD do it but...I just feel so useless about it right now.
I'll try to build energy up enough to talk to people again though...or at least draw. My head and mind hurt so bad...fuck people.
A dear friend of mine had to deactivate their account on instagram because of a hate blog that stole their art and was saying some EXTREMELY racist, trans/homophobic, and hateful things in general and of course they had to steal one of my art pieces that I had made them.
Long story short a troll turned out to be a manipulative bully that apparently knows and lives near my friend IRL. They threatened a lot of things and admitted they are only friends with my friend to manipulate them.
I've known way too many people that lost to being abused and either committed suicide or knew others that did..And I know my friend wouldn't unless something really bad came up but...they're really important to me and I just...can't help but worry.
I've looked into different laws but I'm not sure what I'm looking for exactly so I'm posting it here. If something were to happen and my friend was harmed or harassed in any way, could I, being thousands of miles away, give the police proof from the dms that happened on instagram? Like, would that be evidence enough? The person of course didn't give their name or any information about them so it wouldn't be GUARANTEED proof that it's one person in particular. But maybe they'd be able to do some deep web shit or IP tracking?? Idk. I'm just really worried and socially and mentally exhausted...I talk a big game but in reality I'm unsure of what to do in this situation other than organize a way for that friend to move in with us but that requires money that I don't have yet and they still take classes.
I don't know what to do guys...I'm just freaked out. The way they said some of the things they said was just...concerning. And my friend and I are talking it out now and trying to figure out who they knew WOULD do it but...I just feel so useless about it right now.
I'll try to build energy up enough to talk to people again though...or at least draw. My head and mind hurt so bad...fuck people.
Cause they should do that. D:
BUT, here are some good excerpts from an article I'm reading:
"What is Criminal Harassment?
Different states and the federal government define harassment in different ways. Most frequently, when someone calls me, she is dealing with someone who is being incredibly mean and obnoxious, but not engaging it what would be considered either criminal harassment or defamation. For the police, criminal harassment generally requires threats of violence. Those threats of violence need to be specific and against you. In addition, the police should get involved in cases of real life stalking that is being combined with online stalking."
"Having Trouble Reporting Online Harassment?
Sometimes, small police departments won’t respond even, if you do receive specific threats of violence. The department will tell you there is nothing it can do until the person threatens you offline (for example in a voicemail) or comes to your house. In those cases your best bet is to get in touch with the state police as well as the FBI. In a non-emergency situation, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Unfortunately, if you do not have any proof of a threat of violence, it will be all but impossible for the police to act."
Here's the link to the full article (which includes other helpful links, etc.)
https://lowenthalabrams.com/harasse.....ll-the-police/
I would recommend taking screenshots of ALL interaction/harassment you've both received from this person and holding it as evidence. Every little comment may point towards a specific person once analyzed! If your friend would like help trying to figure out what kind of person this may be, please feel free to send them my way! My brain is happy as a clam to pick up familiar patterns, and I may be able to help pin down who this anonymous crap-bag might be offline.