How family law solicitors treat cyber harassment post-divorce

Divorce is hard enough without the added distress of cyber harassment. Unfortunately, for many, online abuse becomes a painful reality. Former partners may send malicious messages, share private details, or try to damage reputations on social media. A report from Jigsaw Research shows that online harassment is on the rise. It affects a staggering 1 in 5 internet users in England and Wales.

At Sousa Law, our expert family law solicitors in Southampton and Hampshire know how to protect you. By combining legal expertise and a compassionate approach, we’ll help you stop the harassment. Our team will help implement secure protective measures and safeguard your peace of mind. Whether obtaining a Non-Molestation Order or using digital evidence in court, we work to achieve the best outcome for you and your family. Explore our guide on how to deal with false allegations in family law cases.

Don’t wait for things to escalate. Take control of your situation today and get the help you deserve.

What Is Cyber Harassment and Why Does It Escalate After Divorce?

Cyber harassment refers to harmful online behaviour that causes distress. For divorced individuals, it’s often targeted and deeply personal. Naturally, this can make matters particularly difficult to navigate.

Defining Cyber Harassment

Cyber harassment can include a range of behaviours, such as:

• Malicious messages or emails: Threatening or intimidating messages designed to instil fear or exert control.
• Defamatory social media posts: Harmful content shared publicly to damage your reputation.
• Unauthorised sharing of private information: Posting sensitive details or images online without consent, often to manipulate or intimidate.
• Monitoring online activities: Stalking someone’s social media or email interactions to maintain control.

These actions can cause emotional distress and legal complications. According to UK Government guidance, such behaviours often meet the threshold for legal action. Our family law solicitors in Southampton can guide you through the process of addressing these challenges.

Why Does Cyber Harassment Increase Post-Divorce?

Divorce can leave unresolved emotions that may manifest as cyber harassment. Common triggers include:

• Custody disputes: A former partner may attempt to undermine your parenting abilities online.
• Financial disagreements: Arguments over settlements can escalate into personal attacks via digital platforms.
• Control issues: Harassment often stems from resentment or an unwillingness to accept the end of the relationship.

While some instances are deliberate, misunderstandings can also exacerbate conflict online. Yet, with the help of our family law solicitors in Hampshire, these complex situations can be managed constructively.

Preventative Measures to Protect Yourself Online

Before you reach out, taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of cyber harassment and protect your online presence.

Practical Tips for Online Safety

• Strengthen Privacy Settings: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to limit who can view your profiles and posts. For additional security, use two-factor authentication.
• Block and Report: Use tools on social platforms to block abusive users and report harassment to the platform. Reporting ensures documentation and may lead to the offender being restricted.
• Limit Online Sharing: Avoid posting sensitive information, like your location or financial details, as it could be used against you. Also, be mindful of who has access to your accounts.

Why Early Action Matters

By acting early, you reduce the risk of escalating harassment. Early intervention with our family law solicitors makes your legal options clear and actionable. Taking these steps proactively can make all the difference in maintaining your peace of mind.

Legal Protections Against Cyber Harassment in the UK

Victims of cyber harassment in the UK are protected under several legal frameworks. Understanding these protections is crucial to securing justice and safety.

Key UK Laws That Address Cyber Harassment

1. The Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Covers repeated behaviours that cause alarm or distress, including online threats or stalking.
2. The Malicious Communications Act 1988: Criminalises sending abusive messages meant to cause anxiety or distress.
3. The Online Safety Bill: Strengthens regulations for online platforms, ensuring they address and prevent harassment effectively.

Our family law solicitors use these laws to help clients get injunctions or report harassment to the authorities.

Additional Rights That Protect Victims

Victims of harassment are also protected under broader legal frameworks, such as:

• The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): Guarantees the right to privacy and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment.
• The Human Rights Act 1998: Enforces the right to a fair trial and ensures that legal processes are impartial.
• The Defamation Act 2013: Offers recourse if false and damaging claims are made about you outside of court proceedings.
• The Civil Procedure Rules (CPR): Provides guidelines for effectively presenting and challenging evidence in court.

These rights ensure that victims can present their cases, challenge unverified evidence, and, if needed, seek protection from defamation. Legal professionals help enforce these rights to secure justice for their clients.

Proving Cyber Harassment

Building a strong case against cyber harassment relies heavily on two key things. Those being the gathering and presenting of the proper evidence. Family law solicitors advise keeping a thorough record of all incidents. This is because digital evidence plays a crucial role in proving patterns of abusive behaviour.

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Save Screenshots: Keep a detailed archive of emails, texts, and social media posts demonstrating harassment. Ensure timestamps are visible for each screenshot to establish a timeline.
• Document the Harassment: Maintain a log of incidents, including dates, times, and any relevant context. For example, note how the behaviour impacted your emotional well-being or disrupted your daily life.
• Seek Witness Statements: If others are aware of the harassment, their testimonies can add weight to your case.

By presenting this evidence effectively, family law solicitors can improve your position in court. It can also help when seeking protective measures, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Legal Options for Dealing with Cyber Harassment Post-Divorce

Our family law solicitors in Hampshire can help you deal with cyber harassment. Your safety and peace of mind is always at the forefront of our actions.

1. Obtaining a Non-Molestation Order

A Non-Molestation Order is a court injunction. It prevents the harasser from contacting or approaching you. Family law solicitors can assist in filing for this order urgently to ensure you receive immediate protection.

2. Reporting to the Authorities

Harassment involving threats or breaches of privacy can be reported to the police. Our solicitors can help clients present:

• Screenshots and logs that detail the harassment timeline.
• Evidence of repeated offences can strengthen the case for police intervention.

3. Using Evidence in Divorce or Child Arrangement Proceedings

Evidence of cyber harassment can influence court decisions in child arrangement or divorce cases. Family law solicitors present this evidence to demonstrate patterns of abusive behaviour. Our input will ensure it’s factored into judicial outcomes.

How Sousa Law Can Help Victims of Cyber Harassment

Sousa Law’s family law solicitors in Southampton provide expert guidance. We help clients with the emotional and legal challenges of cyber harassment.

Our services include:

• Filing for Non-Molestation Orders to ensure immediate protection.
• Building strong evidence-based cases for use in court or mediation.
• Offering compassionate support to guide you through these challenges.

Regain Control of Your Life

If you’re dealing with the distress of cyber harassment, you don’t have to face it alone. Sousa Law’s experienced family law solicitors are here to protect your rights and help you regain control of your life. Our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way. No matter whether it’s obtaining a Non-Molestation Order, building a case with digital evidence, or navigating child arrangement and divorce proceedings. Act now to protect yourself and your family. Discover how our Domestic Abuse & Protection services can provide the relief you need.

Call us today on 02380 713060 or get in touch for a confidential consultation.