Cyberbullying is prevalent in the digital age and is as prone to evolution and adaptation as the different social media platforms we all enjoy. According to Stopbullying.gov, cyberbullying is simply any type of bullying that takes place on a digital device. It also includes “sending, posting or sharing negative, harmful, false or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. Some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior.”
Mischa Harris was a recent victim of this new age harassment. The 51-year-old Roanoke native, and single mother of two was awakened by her sister to the news that her personal information was leaked onto Facebook. At three in the morning, Mischa was horrified to see that her ex-boyfriend made several posts detailing deeply personal aspects of her life that she had shared with him.
The two dated for only about six months. In that time, Mischa felt she ignored red flags that could have pointed to this sort of behavior. Mischa said he suffered from bipolar schizophrenia. Mischa is a medical assistant and licensed CNA with New Hope Support Services; so she is familiar with the signs and troubles of untreated mental illness.
“I felt violated,” Mischa said. She rarely uses Facebook and was unsure how many people could actually see the post. “I could not believe all the things he had put on Facebook…Things about me and my family. My character was slandered.”
Immediately, Mischa, her daughter and the rest of her close family began investigation how to have the posts removed. This was newly ventured territory and no one knew what to do. Facebook lists three simple steps for users to avoid harassment: Unfriend. Block. Report. Facebook provides a formal complaint form that allows users to report their situation, but it is unclear if Mischa was able to properly navigate the site, or if Facebook’s policies truly lack a viable solution to quickly resolve harassment. “I got the runaround and never got to talk to a human being,” Mischa said.
Despite the emotional harm the posts caused Mischa and her family, she had no choice but to move on, as it seemed no legal action could be taken at that point. Although the Facebook incident yielded no results in stopping the harassment, Mischa was able to act when her ex- boyfriend continued his attacks. One neighbor suspects that he broke Mischa’s window at 3 o’clock in the morning. He also began sending lewd and threatening messages to Mischa’s daughter. Now Mischa and her family could take legal action. The case wound up in court on the grounds of sexual harassment. The offender was ordered to stop all contact. Despite having to face her offender, Mischa was comforted knowing he already was in jail on an un-related offense.
Mischa said that experience taught her much. “I’ve always been a pretty cautious person when it comes to getting involved with someone,” she said. “It taught me to be more cautious.”
Mischa’s daughter, who she lives with, remains upset by the entire ordeal. “I’m pretty sure it’s going to take some time to heal,” Mischa said.
While many resources for cyberbullying are aimed toward children, anyone experiencing digital harassment can visit cyberbullying.org or the National Crime Prevention Council.
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