Project Athena Cyberstalking and Harassment Guidance

Cyberstalking-and-Harassment-Guidance Cover -English

Definitions

Cyberstalking is repeated and deliberate use of the internet and other electronic communication tools to engage in persistent, unwanted communication intended to frighten, intimidate or harass someone.
Cyber-dependent abuse is abuse that can only be committed using digital technology e.g. hacking, spyware.
Cyber-enabled abuse is ‘traditional’ abuse that is enhanced by the use of technology e.g. Cyberstalking, or online fraud like catfishing.

What is Project Athena?

Project Athena is an easy–to-digest guidance document developed by South Wales Police that aims to raise awareness of the methods used by offenders of Cyberstalking & Harassment and provide thorough guidance for victims, professionals, and the Police on the same topic. The guidance includes detailed steps that can be taken by individuals to safeguard themselves online, and when using personal technology/online applications. It covers both cyber-dependent, and cyber-enabled crime/abuse, and is broken down by category e.g., social media, mobile phones, and smart home technology.

Cyber Graduate & Project Athena Development Lead, Chloe Williams: ‘By completing Project Athena, I hope to raise awareness of the methods used by offenders in Cyberstalking and Harassment. Additionally, I hope that it will provide knowledge to officers, staff and survivors, of ways to ensure the security of devices and mitigate these offences from happening.’

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, Emma Wools: “Project Athena is exactly the kind of coordinated, victim-centred approach we urgently need to tackle the growing threat of cyber-stalking. Cyber-talking reaches into every part of a person’s life, often leaving victims feeling isolated and unsafe. By bringing together South Wales Police and support services across our region, we can ensure we protect victims more effectively and hold perpetrators to account. I’m delighted to support Project Athena and its commitment to safeguarding all our communities from digital harm, it’s a vitally important component in our ambition to deliver the safe, just and inclusive South Wales we all need and want to see.”