Being Harassed by Your Ex? Virginia Divorce Attorney Can Help
Arlington, Virginia Family Law Firm Focuses on Divorce Issues
Cyberstalking is a repeated course of conduct aimed at a person to cause emotional distress and fear of physical harm. If your ex-spouse is harassing you online, Virginia has several laws against the practice.
Cyberbullying a Crime in Virginia
In Virginia, cyberbullying is a class 1 misdemeanor under the state’s harassment by computer law, when the bully uses a computer to send obscene communications, suggestions or threats of any illegal act with the intent to harass, coerce, or intimidate someone. Cyberbullying can also be charged as criminal stalking, a class 6 felony, when the harassment included two or more acts that would have placed a reasonable person (or a family member of theirs) in fear of sexual assault, bodily injury, or death.
A protective order could also be granted, which would prohibit your ex from having contact with you if the following standards are met:
- There has been an act of violence, force, or a threat; and
- That act results in physical injury; or
- Places a person in “reasonable apprehension of death, sexual assault, or bodily injury.”
A victim of cyberbullying can also bring a civil lawsuit for the emotional, social, or financial harm caused by the behavior. The damages that may be awarded will vary based upon the degree of harm caused to the victim.
Contact an Experienced Virginia Family Law Attorney Today
Is your ex-spouse harassing you online? Claudia Zucker has been practicing family law in the state of Virginia for more than twenty years, and has a reputation for standing up for her clients. Contact us online or call (703) 596-1005 to set up your initial consultation with Attorney Zucker today.
