Loading...

What can you do about harassing texting?

27 January 2021

A lot of personal communication these days is done by way of text. When separation occurs, texting can often increase in frequency and intensity. So, if it is too much, what can you do?

What is it?

Cyberstalking can include:

  • repeatedly contacting a person by calling, emailing, texting, messaging or sending offensive material.
  • monitoring your movements (surveillance and GPS tracking) and using apps or spyware on your phone.
  • threatening or committing acts of violence against someone.
  • catfishing – where someone poses as someone else.
  • sharing intimate photos/videos online.

The above acts are just some examples of an ex-partner attempting to exert their power. Remember that this behaviour is not okay and, if you are the recipient of it, it is not your fault.

Unlawful Stalking is a criminal offence in all States and Territories in Australia. Cyberstalking is also considered an act of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence occurs where one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to control another person. Victims of domestic violence are often victims of cyberstalking. Domestic Violence Orders (‘DVO’) seek to prevent further violence occurring between people.

Cyberstalking can also constitute a breach of a DVO. A breach of a DVO is a criminal offence and may lead to a criminal conviction.

If the stalker is a current or former spouse or de facto partner or a relative by blood or marriage, you should seek legal advice about obtaining a domestic violence order.

Visit the Queensland Police Service website for advise on how to record stalking incidents.

Practical tips

If you are experiencing cyberstalking, you should contact the police and reach out to a trusted family member or friend. During this difficult time, it is important that you receive the support you need. It is also important to remember that this behaviour is not okay.

Other tips:

  • Report it – to the police, your friends and family!
  • If you feel safe doing so, clearly tell them to stop harassing you.
  • Remove the amount of information you have on the web (ie, remove date of birth and location off Facebook and Instagram).
  • Protect your password: create a complex password on all devices and change them regularly.
  • Save everything as it could be used as evidence later.
  • Speak with your phone provider (Telstra, Optus etc) as they have systems in place to protect your privacy.
  • Switch off location services on your phone.
  • If you believe your phone/computer is being monitored, set up new accounts.

Wait… I might be unintentionally cyberstalking my partner

Stalking and cyberstalking are classified as an ‘unintentional offence’, meaning it doesn’t matter if you intend for the person to feel intimidated or afraid – it is still a crime.

You may not realise that your actions, including repeated Facebook messages, checking your partner’s phone, tracking movements through an application are causing your partner to feel fear. The Queensland Government has advice that you can refer to it if you feel your behaviour is controlling.

If you use violence in your relationship, here are the links to get help.

Useful resources:

  • Know your emergency numbers. You can call 000 or your local police station. If you need housing in a women’s refuge, call DV Connect 1800 811 811.
  • Contact 1800Respect (1800 737 732) to have a safety plan put in place.
  • The Brisbane Domestic Violence Service has information and resources.
  • The Queensland Courts website has information on support services, going to court, and help stopping the violent behaviour.
  • What is cyberstalking?

Need advice?

If you have any questions about this article, email us at [email protected].

To make an appointment to discuss your personal circumstances, please phone our separation lawyers on (07) 3221 4300, email at [email protected], or alternatively fill in our online form here.

Image to accompany an article 'What can you do about harassing texting?' by family law firm in Brisbane
2024-10-02T22:09:33+10:00

Client Testimonials

Michael is very personable and very good at covering the material and explaining the strategy.
J.O., Hawthorne
Amy, thanks very much to you and your team. Throughout my dealings with MLFL I have been continually impressed with your level of professionalism and, in particular, your understanding of circumstances and the articulate way you conduct yourself. I was completely satisfied with today’s outcome and without your experience and expertise in family law I doubt that the result would have been achieved.
M.R., West End
I was impressed by my solicitor’s attention to detail and her concern for me, and that the process was explained to me and that I understood it at all times.
B.W., Chapel Hill

Thank you Debra for all the work you did for me, you both made the process manageable and brought sense to the chaos.

R.B., Toowong
I like that my lawyer treated me like a friend and kept jargon to a minimum. She was easy to contact and kept me informed.
L.R., Samford
Thank you, you placed my needs first, you were aware of the need to reach a final result and not get caught up in the personal issues of the other party.
S.L., Moranbah
My family lawyer was very helpful in assisting me to combat a very ugly situation without stooping to the low levels that the other solicitor attempted to take us.
M.J., Manly
Your newsletters are great, I appreciate them.
K.B., Carina
Lovely to deal with and provides a balanced view in what are very difficult circumstances.
A.C., Morningside

I just wanted to get in touch to say thanks for helping me get through my custody and settlement. Thanks again to you and your staff. You have had a significant positive impact in my kids’ lives!

B.S., Brisbane
A personalised and professional service. Information has been clear and provided timely to assist my decision-making.
S.S., Hamilton

I have appreciated the way that you and the staff at your firm have handled my situation. I would especially like to mention the professional and caring way my lawyer conducted my case, I am deeply grateful and extremely happy with the results. I will be referring others to your service.

J.H., Wellington Point

I was very impressed with the initial interview. Everything was well-explained, and the advice was honest about what I should expect.

C.M., Morningside

Your staff is knowledgeable, professional and very calm.

A.C., Helensvale
The staff at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers were great. Everyone was fantastic, professional, understanding, caring and always communicated with me. I knew I was in good hands.
A.A., Eatons Hill

We had such a positive experience with Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, and we highly recommend their services. Meticulous attention to detail, attended quickly to every additional request we made, and made sure we always knew exactly where we were every step of the way. Our lawyer took what was such a stressful and emotional time for our family, and made the process feel so smooth and seamless.

N.B., Brisbane
I always felt that the service provided by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers was of a high standard. Each time, after appointments I came away feeling secure. Keep doing what you are and maintain the ‘family feel’ that permeates your services.
C.W., Brookfield
Your team is professional, warm, friendly and real.
N.R., Crows Nest

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers know what they are talking about.

R.M., Warwick
I appreciate you being upfront with fee estimates. You also have a fantastic website and the seminars REALLY helped to get me focussed.
T.C., Tarragindi

Thank you very much to everyone at Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. Thank you for helping me get my life back and make a fresh start. To have that fresh start without fear and anxiety is priceless.

A.A., Perth
Amy, thank you. You have been diligent, accurate and pro-active for the entire duration of my matter. I appreciate it.
R.P., Cleveland

Thank you for being very personable, professional and always providing me with the most appropriate advice in my times of difficulty. The other party’s lawyers were extremely aggressive, while Michael Lynch Family Lawyers remained calm and professional.

S.D., Parkinson

My solicitor is a good listener. My documentation maintained the high moral ground.

S.S., Hamilton

I’m very glad ‘Michael Lynch Family Lawyers’ is my lawyer and not the other side’s solicitor.

S.S., Hamilton
I appreciate my lawyer’s professional approach and her being on top of my situation.
N.S., Mt Gravatt
Michael, thank you again for your presence here yesterday. We really appreciated the clarity and accessibility of your presentation. It is a rare thing to find somebody who not only has expertise, but also has a skill in communicating it.
J.S., Brisbane
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers have really listened to me. I felt confident my case was handled well. The law has changed recently, and I did not feel that a previous law practice I spoke to was suitably up-to-date.
P.B., Carindale
My solicitor provided a personalised service, prompt and quick responses and cost information prior to my commitment.
G.C., Southport
Thank you for your ongoing conciliatory approach in this matter and as always I appreciate your level headed advice. I certainly feel that I ended up with the right Solicitor.
S.C., Nundah
If I need a family lawyer in the future I’ll be heading to Michael Lynch Family Lawyers again.
C.W., Brookfield

You, guys, provide extraordinary service.

A.O., North Brisbane
I really appreciated the happiness of your secretarial staff.
G.C., Clayfield

My lawyer has been an amazing help through this stressful time. I will remember her help for the rest of my life. Thank you.

J.H., Brisbane

Many thanks to Stephanie for her help and support through this time, I was incredibly impressed with her work.

L.K., North Lakes
The professionalism and reliability delivered by Amy Honan was fantastic. I had an urgent matter around my property sale and Amy offered to provide assistance over a weekend if I required it – that’s above and beyond!
E.F., Nundah

My lawyer was the most knowledgeable of all lawyers I spoke to when looking for a lawyer. Michael Lynch Family Lawyers showed professionalism.

R.R., Brighton
Thank you for the outstanding legal advice you have provided and professionalism in which you conduct yourself. I am truly thankful that it was you who represented me.
M.T., Stafford

I was always confident that I was getting the very best advice.

T.S., Flinders
Thank you for the great newsletter. Your article on “Coping with Christmas” is brilliant – clear, caring and helpful. Thanks again!
C.T., Bribie Island
Your team’s communication with me was exceptional, I knew exactly what was happening.
A.A., Eatons Hill

Thank you for helping me through this difficult time. You have been caring, compassionate and efficient. Some of my divorcing friends have not been so fortunate. In my mind, you are the best family lawyer in Brisbane. If anyone I know needs a good family lawyer, I will tell them to speak to you. Thanks again.

B.T., Clayfield
I was guided through a really difficult time with expertise of Michael Lynch Family Lawyers. I am more than happy with the outcome of mediation.
J.H., Windaroo

After utilising the mediation services team recommended by your organisation, my ex-partner and I were able to reach some interim agreements about parenting. I am incredibly grateful for the advice provided by Debra Effeney; and found your firm’s services to be exceptionally professional. If we needed to consult a family lawyer in the future, we would have no hesitation in reconnecting with your firm.

K.M., Paddington
Michael Lynch Family Lawyers always gave me competent and knowledgeable advice. I was consistently kept up to date. The meetings and phone calls were kept business-like, yet caring and thoughtful of my emotional state at the time. Thank you.
J.S., Holland Park
So pleased to have had a good, sound and knowledgeable firm.
C.W., Brookfield
I like your friendly service and the ability to speak to my solicitor directly.
R.G., Wishart

Michael Lynch Family Lawyers are easy to deal with, and your systems are good.

D.T., Ferny Grove

I would like to thank your firm for the support and compassion shown while dealing with my matter.

C.M., Brisbane
Thank you for providing me with a professional yet empathetic approach to gain the best outcome for me. My solicitor was excellent in explaining the processes and in representing me in Court. You have great customer service!
T.V., Everton Park

I really liked the personable service by Michael Lynch Family Lawyers, the simple plain language you adopt and everyone’s patience.

A.O., Kedron

Thank you, you kept me sane in a difficult situation and gave me the encouragement and the confidence to keep going. You made me feel extremely comfortable.

A.M., Chambers Flat

At Michael Lynch Family Lawyers I got professional and ‘no-nonsense’ advice, costs were within quoted amounts and my matter was resolved quickly – well done!

L.R., Ascot
Amy’s work was extremely professional but above all she has a manner and wisdom in dealing with people under stress. I will be recommending your firm to anyone that requires assistance.
K.H., Augustine Heights
Many thanks for your assistance – life is now great – I’m moving on.
J.K., Mansfield
May I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you and your staff for the excellent professional services I received. In a word, priceless.
D.H., Hendra
My lawyer acted with professionalism in all her dealings with me and with the lawyer on the other side. I was always kept in the loop. I liked her approach. Thanks.
D.S., Coorparoo
I liked my solicitor keeping things as simple as possible.
S.M., Clayfield
Amy, thank you for all that you have done during this matter. You impressed me with your professionalism from our initial meeting, and you have proven beyond doubt, to have had the skills and knowledge required. You are a credit to the company, and I would highly recommend you to anyone in a similar situation.
R.P., Cleveland