Is verbal abuse on the Internet a criminal act?

MoeAlza

Yes, being threatened online is a criminal act. If you have solid proof than you may have a case. I saw a commercial on this so that's all I know lol.

Check this site out for some info.
http://www.haltabuse.org

I Had 32 Characters To Work With

It depends on where you live. In most "common law" countries Internet harassment is punishable by law.

The crime (could be) :

"Use of a Telecommunications Device (the internet) with Intent to Annoy, Abuse, Threaten or Harass"

Check your local / state laws. (see link for your area)
http://www.haltabuse.org/resources/laws/index.shtml

ADD: "If he lives outside your state or country".... depends on "comparative" law issues... and the gravity of the "harassment".
Written formal complaints should be made first to YAHOO INC. via their Legal Division.

Mixtli

DEFINITELY seek counsel.

Laughing Annabella

I have no idea about the laws concerning the Internet, but I don't think anybody should stand being threatened. You have my full support. Anybody who threatens and abuses a woman, while being protected by the anonymity of the Internet is a coward who is in need of a psychiatric treatment.

C.S.Scotkin

Keep collecting, I have a friend...

foggisan

I don't know about the US, Elaine, but there are laws in the UK that apply to the internet. Perhaps if he has put false and damaging information about you in the public domain there could be a case for harassment and/or slander/libel actions?

If you find they live near me let me know and I'll go and 'have a word!!'

jenny

Disgusting, as this may be, the solution seems highly doubtful to be
solved, given to the vast array of various people on the net. As enjoyable as it may be to open ourselves to e-mail from anyone, this is why I am not open to e-mail. Even if you could do something about this one, in the long run some one else may show up, Can't you at least block this person from e-mail? I don't know if that is possible.

Blessings be.

breeseb824

well there's nothing that police can do about it unless it's a threat or something that is going to happen to you.

SIN

I have no expertise to draw from other than the restraining orders I have filed on x in my life. And I believe this falls under cyber-stalking. Highly reprehensible.Glad your acting on it.

Nateface

Nope! One of the joys of the internet is the ability to insult without fear of consequence. For example,

YOU ARE A GIGANTIC DONGLE WHOPPER.

See? No crime. And save some severe personality issues on your part, no consequence! :)

I would just ignore everything on the internet because its more meaningless than highschool.

new poetry writer

my out look is its petty, one to attack someone on the internet like that. but i also think its petty to save it to have someone arrested or sued because he's hating on you on the internet. turn your screen off and then look.it means just as much with the screen off as it does on. it means nothing. if you try to get the dude in trouble or sue him and it doesn't work its gonna be even worse. i say screw him and ignore his comments people will perceive you as what you are regardless of what he has to say.

Reenie: Mom of Marine

The written word is especially useful, as you now have documented proof. After all that reading I find myself short on words. Good luck!

Bob Dylan

Regarding the law part of your question, I have no clue. However Yahoo
asks you read and agree to not insult, nor verbally attack other members. Perhaps sending a copy to Yahoo of emails etc, to Yahoo
community guidelines. Hope I helped at least some what.

Judith S

Yes, It is a crime. I have been hit with that poison pen many times.
There is someone on here with 400 avatars. They are not all on at one time.I have seen about 6 to 10 in one day. One day I called him a clown with 10 faces. He got mad, and said,"Ten faces"? I have 400.
Most of us know who he he. I even asked him to meet me some where. I told him live in New York and I will meet him half way. He never gave me an answer. He is a coward and he hides behind the computer and his 400 avatars. I am very curious to meet a person with all those people in his head. Wow, That would be some conversation.
The offer is still on the table. I hope you are not afraid of me? I`m 5ft2in
115 lbs. I have no idea how big you are.But I would meet you anyway.
Edit: Hey Andy, Maybe it`s just me, But I can`t seem to get this guy to give me an answer. Usually you can`t get rid of him. Maybe he`s afraid of my 128 lb dog, Taz.
Edit: Elaine I am glad that you are working on this with me and the community. I have received so many e-mailes from everyone that wants a stop put to this. He may have 400 personalities in his head but we have 400 and more real people on this site that want to lock this dirtbag behind bars.
Oh, It`s coming.

ramalama3

Unless this guy is being threatening and has the ability to carry out the threats, there isn't much of a case. You can easily block a user on many websites, or avoid posting on them altogether. This guy may be harassing you, but unless he knows where you live or something and says he will harm you, then you don't really stand a chance.

WooleyBooley again

Verbally ? Really ? My monitor doesn't have a phone. Sounds as if you responded to one of his tirades months ago, that egged him on. All you have to do is CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. If you use jobob @ yahoo.com, simply add a period i.e. jo.bob@yahoo.com.

shilo9i

How can you be verbally abused on the internet?

Verbal means spoken, not written.

gwu 4th year sophmore

just change your accounts......police dont have time to focus on nasty emails..they probably get thousands of complaints each day

Andrew M

I'm not sure I think it varies state to state I do know the Secret Service handle these types of matters I have one out there RIGHT NOW using my name and avatar
to answer questions disguised as me ,,,There are other people I'm "gonna" contact first His name ,,,We all know his name ,,,(now i have the theme from cheers in my head),,,,Only a Coward does something like that ,,Cannot face the reality of life Cannot handle much of anything ,,,,I would like to see the JS & Iano
meeting ,,,Wusses do not behave like real men do ,,,,
Stand up and say yes it was me They do not do that
----------------EDIT-----------------

From The Mighty Iano
If I found you to be the 'thorn' that you so laughingly imagine yourself to be, with all my avatars, built over years, you'd be gone by now. I'm the King, this is my court, and you're my jester. I pull your strings, puppet, and you dance for me. Remember that, lowly one

Mr. Goodhi

Contact the Secret Service, they handle all Internet harassment cases.

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