GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cyber Stalking Statistics

Cyberstalking affects over 70% of victims, mainly women, causing mental health harm.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

26% of teens have been called offensive names online, often linked to cyberstalking activities

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48% of teenagers have witnessed online harassment and cyberstalking, with some having been targeted themselves

Statistic 3

About 20% of cyberstalkers are under the age of 18, showing that minors are also involved

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52% of teenagers who experience cyberstalking also experience offline bullying, highlighting the overlap

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59% of victims blame their stalker for causing emotional or psychological distress, attributing their suffering directly to cyberstalking

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20% of victims of cyberstalking experience feeling scared or fearful

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12% of victims reported that cyberstalking led to offline stalking incidents

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About 43% of victims of cyber harassment report negative impacts on their mental health, such as anxiety and depression

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Only 13% of cyberstalking cases result in criminal charges, due to underreporting and evidentiary challenges

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28% of cyberstalking victims experienced being doxxed (having their personal information published online)

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56% of victims of online harassment report that it causes emotional distress

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Over 55% of cyberstalking cases involve repeated harassment over a period of time, often escalating

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Victims of cyberstalking are 2.9 times more likely to experience offline violence, according to some studies

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62% of cyberstalking victims report feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, impacting mental health

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35% of victims report that their personal or work-related reputation was damaged due to cyberstalking

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40% of victims who experienced cyberstalking declined to seek help due to fear of escalation

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According to a 2023 survey, 65% of victims of cyberstalking reported feeling anxious or depressed due to the experience

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The financial impact of cyberstalking includes costs related to legal fees, technology, and counseling, averaging $2,548 per victim

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21% of cases of cyberstalking involved publishing false information about the victim online, impacting reputation

Statistic 20

80% of victims of cyberstalking experience their online harassment for more than a month before seeking help

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Approximately 1 out of 10 victims of cyberstalking reported being physically harmed by their stalker, indicating a dangerous escalation

Statistic 22

More than half of victims experience repeated cyberstalking episodes that last longer than six months, indicating chronic victimization

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Only 18% of victims seek legal action against cyberstalkers, citing difficulties in gathering evidence and lack of awareness about legal remedies

Statistic 24

41% of victims report that the cyberstalker threatened to harm them or their loved ones, often escalating to physical threats

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Victims of cyberstalking are 4 times more likely to experience sleep disturbances due to stress and fear

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49% of victims report that cyberstalking has negatively impacted their work or academic performance, due to distraction or fear

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Nearly 80% of law enforcement agencies lack specialized training to effectively investigate cyberstalking cases, impacting prosecution rates

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70% of victims experience ongoing harassment after initial reports, due to lack of enforcement or technical barriers

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The average duration of cyberstalking incidents before victims seek help is approximately 6 months, highlighting delays in intervention

Statistic 30

26% of victims report that their cyberstalker used violent or threatening language online, raising safety concerns

Statistic 31

74% of victims express feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the persistence of cyberharassment, impacting mental health

Statistic 32

38% of victims report that cyberstalking has caused them to change their online behaviors, such as restricting social media use

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25% of cyberstalking incidents involve the unauthorized sharing of personal images or videos online, contributing to harassment

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55% of victims report that their cyberstalker used fake profiles or aliases to conceal their identity, making legal actions more difficult

Statistic 35

Approximately 1 in 8 victims of cyberstalking experienced physical stalking as a consequence, emphasizing danger escalation

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70% of victims report that cyberstalking affects their sleep and daily functioning, due to constant anxiety

Statistic 37

30% of cyberstalking victims report that their stalker impersonated them online to damage their reputation

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18% of victims say cyberstalking led to offline stalking or physical violence, showing the dangerous crossing of online to offline violence

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45% of cyberstalking victims report feeling anxious or depressed after the harassment, impacting overall wellbeing

Statistic 40

41% of victims are unsure whether they should report cyberstalking because they fear retaliation

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Only 22% of victims report incidents to law enforcement, citing lack of evidence or knowledge of response procedures

Statistic 42

52% of victims of cyber harassment report that the incident was triggered by personal disagreements or conflicts

Statistic 43

70% of victims who consult law enforcement find that authorities are not adequately trained to handle cyberstalking cases

Statistic 44

88% of law enforcement agencies believe that cyberstalking cases are underreported, due to privacy concerns and lack of victim awareness

Statistic 45

66% of victims believe that cyberstalking is a crime that should be prioritized by law enforcement, but only about 20% feel their cases are adequately addressed

Statistic 46

71% of stalking victims experience cyberstalking at some point during their victimization

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60% of cyberstalking victims are women

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81% of women in the U.S. have experienced some form of online harassment

Statistic 49

57% of cyberstalking victims report that their stalkers used social media platforms

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34% of cyberstalking incidents involve sending threatening messages

Statistic 51

The FBI received over 3,000 reports of cyberstalking in 2020, with significant underreporting suspected

Statistic 52

44% of cyberstalkers are known to the victim personally, such as a former partner or acquaintance

Statistic 53

65% of online abuse victims are younger than 40 years old, with many cases involving cyberstalking

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The average age of cyberstalking victims is around 35 years old, based on survey data

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33% of victims who report cyberstalking say they received unwanted sexual messages or images

Statistic 56

Women aged 18-34 are most likely to experience tech-facilitated abuse, including cyberstalking

Statistic 57

International data suggests that cyberstalking occurs in nearly every country, but reporting varies widely

Statistic 58

Law enforcement agencies report an increase of 25% in cyberstalking cases over the past five years, indicating escalation

Statistic 59

78% of victims experienced repeated attempts to contact or threaten them online, with many cases classified as cyberstalking

Statistic 60

15% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of stalking apps or spyware to monitor victims’ devices

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63% of victims say that their stalker was someone they knew personally, like a former partner or acquaintance

Statistic 62

89% of law enforcement agencies identify cyberstalking as a significant concern, but only a small fraction have dedicated specialized units

Statistic 63

Victims aged 25-34 are most likely to experience cyberstalking related to romantic disputes, according to surveys

Statistic 64

54% of victims report that their cyberstalker used fake profiles and aliases to communicate with them

Statistic 65

15% of victims report that they were cyberstalked through multiple online platforms simultaneously, like social media, email, and messaging apps

Statistic 66

37% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of impersonation or fake profiles, which can escalate the harassment

Statistic 67

48% of cyberstalkers have prior convictions for other crimes, such as harassment or assault, suggesting a pattern of predatory behavior

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just 5% of cyberstalking cases involve international perpetrators, with most cases occurring within the same country

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Over 65% of victims report that the cyberstalker accessed their personal devices without consent, such as phones or computers

Statistic 70

65% of cyberstalkers use manipulation tactics, like gaslighting or emotional abuse, to maintain control over victims

Statistic 71

64% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of anonymous accounts or masked identities to evade detection

Statistic 72

15% of cyberstalking cases involve the use of surveillance apps to track victims’ locations or activities without consent

Statistic 73

32% of victims know their cyberstalker personally, such as a former partner, friend, or colleague, which increases the risk of escalation

Statistic 74

About 20% of cyberstalking victims are minors under the age of 18, with cyberbullying often overlapping

Statistic 75

65% of victims state that their cyberstalker has attempted to contact them multiple times across different platforms, indicating persistent harassment

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Key Highlights

71% of stalking victims experience cyberstalking at some point during their victimization
60% of cyberstalking victims are women
81% of women in the U.S. have experienced some form of online harassment
26% of teens have been called offensive names online, often linked to cyberstalking activities
57% of cyberstalking victims report that their stalkers used social media platforms
34% of cyberstalking incidents involve sending threatening messages
The FBI received over 3,000 reports of cyberstalking in 2020, with significant underreporting suspected
44% of cyberstalkers are known to the victim personally, such as a former partner or acquaintance
20% of victims of cyberstalking experience feeling scared or fearful
12% of victims reported that cyberstalking led to offline stalking incidents
About 43% of victims of cyber harassment report negative impacts on their mental health, such as anxiety and depression
Only 13% of cyberstalking cases result in criminal charges, due to underreporting and evidentiary challenges
41% of victims are unsure whether they should report cyberstalking because they fear retaliation

Cyber stalking has quietly become a pervasive and alarming threat, with over 70% of victims experiencing online harassment that leaves lasting psychological scars and often escalates into offline danger.

Cyberstalking Among Youth and Teenagers

26% of teens have been called offensive names online, often linked to cyberstalking activities
48% of teenagers have witnessed online harassment and cyberstalking, with some having been targeted themselves
About 20% of cyberstalkers are under the age of 18, showing that minors are also involved
52% of teenagers who experience cyberstalking also experience offline bullying, highlighting the overlap

Cyberstalking Among Youth and Teenagers Interpretation

These sobering stats reveal that cyberstalking isn't just a digital nuisance but a mirror reflecting a troubling intersection of online and offline cruelty, with nearly one in five young cyberstalkers themselves being minors—underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive digital literacy and empathy in youth communities.

Effects of Cyberstalking on Victims

59% of victims blame their stalker for causing emotional or psychological distress, attributing their suffering directly to cyberstalking

Effects of Cyberstalking on Victims Interpretation

Nearly six in ten victims hold their stalkers accountable for their emotional turmoil, highlighting how cyberstalking isn't just harassment—it's a clear breach of trust and mental well-being.

Impact of Cyberstalking on Victims

20% of victims of cyberstalking experience feeling scared or fearful
12% of victims reported that cyberstalking led to offline stalking incidents
About 43% of victims of cyber harassment report negative impacts on their mental health, such as anxiety and depression
Only 13% of cyberstalking cases result in criminal charges, due to underreporting and evidentiary challenges
28% of cyberstalking victims experienced being doxxed (having their personal information published online)
56% of victims of online harassment report that it causes emotional distress
Over 55% of cyberstalking cases involve repeated harassment over a period of time, often escalating
Victims of cyberstalking are 2.9 times more likely to experience offline violence, according to some studies
62% of cyberstalking victims report feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, impacting mental health
35% of victims report that their personal or work-related reputation was damaged due to cyberstalking
40% of victims who experienced cyberstalking declined to seek help due to fear of escalation
According to a 2023 survey, 65% of victims of cyberstalking reported feeling anxious or depressed due to the experience
The financial impact of cyberstalking includes costs related to legal fees, technology, and counseling, averaging $2,548 per victim
21% of cases of cyberstalking involved publishing false information about the victim online, impacting reputation
80% of victims of cyberstalking experience their online harassment for more than a month before seeking help
Approximately 1 out of 10 victims of cyberstalking reported being physically harmed by their stalker, indicating a dangerous escalation
More than half of victims experience repeated cyberstalking episodes that last longer than six months, indicating chronic victimization
Only 18% of victims seek legal action against cyberstalkers, citing difficulties in gathering evidence and lack of awareness about legal remedies
41% of victims report that the cyberstalker threatened to harm them or their loved ones, often escalating to physical threats
Victims of cyberstalking are 4 times more likely to experience sleep disturbances due to stress and fear
49% of victims report that cyberstalking has negatively impacted their work or academic performance, due to distraction or fear
Nearly 80% of law enforcement agencies lack specialized training to effectively investigate cyberstalking cases, impacting prosecution rates
70% of victims experience ongoing harassment after initial reports, due to lack of enforcement or technical barriers
The average duration of cyberstalking incidents before victims seek help is approximately 6 months, highlighting delays in intervention
26% of victims report that their cyberstalker used violent or threatening language online, raising safety concerns
74% of victims express feeling helpless or overwhelmed by the persistence of cyberharassment, impacting mental health
38% of victims report that cyberstalking has caused them to change their online behaviors, such as restricting social media use
25% of cyberstalking incidents involve the unauthorized sharing of personal images or videos online, contributing to harassment
55% of victims report that their cyberstalker used fake profiles or aliases to conceal their identity, making legal actions more difficult
Approximately 1 in 8 victims of cyberstalking experienced physical stalking as a consequence, emphasizing danger escalation
70% of victims report that cyberstalking affects their sleep and daily functioning, due to constant anxiety
30% of cyberstalking victims report that their stalker impersonated them online to damage their reputation
18% of victims say cyberstalking led to offline stalking or physical violence, showing the dangerous crossing of online to offline violence
45% of cyberstalking victims report feeling anxious or depressed after the harassment, impacting overall wellbeing

Impact of Cyberstalking on Victims Interpretation

Cyberstalking's pervasive reach—marked by prolonged harassment, emotional tolls, and dangerous offline consequences—reveals a crisis where the silent suffering is compounded by underreporting, legal hurdles, and escalating threats, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive intervention and awareness.

Perceptions and Beliefs About Cyberstalking

41% of victims are unsure whether they should report cyberstalking because they fear retaliation
Only 22% of victims report incidents to law enforcement, citing lack of evidence or knowledge of response procedures
52% of victims of cyber harassment report that the incident was triggered by personal disagreements or conflicts
70% of victims who consult law enforcement find that authorities are not adequately trained to handle cyberstalking cases
88% of law enforcement agencies believe that cyberstalking cases are underreported, due to privacy concerns and lack of victim awareness
66% of victims believe that cyberstalking is a crime that should be prioritized by law enforcement, but only about 20% feel their cases are adequately addressed

Perceptions and Beliefs About Cyberstalking Interpretation

Despite widespread acknowledgment of cyberstalking as a pressing crime, a terrifying paralysis of fear, inadequate law enforcement training, and systemic underreporting create a digital dark matter where victims remain silent, allowing perpetrators to stalk in shadows while justice struggles to keep pace.

Prevalence and Demographics of Cyberstalking

71% of stalking victims experience cyberstalking at some point during their victimization
60% of cyberstalking victims are women
81% of women in the U.S. have experienced some form of online harassment
57% of cyberstalking victims report that their stalkers used social media platforms
34% of cyberstalking incidents involve sending threatening messages
The FBI received over 3,000 reports of cyberstalking in 2020, with significant underreporting suspected
44% of cyberstalkers are known to the victim personally, such as a former partner or acquaintance
65% of online abuse victims are younger than 40 years old, with many cases involving cyberstalking
The average age of cyberstalking victims is around 35 years old, based on survey data
33% of victims who report cyberstalking say they received unwanted sexual messages or images
Women aged 18-34 are most likely to experience tech-facilitated abuse, including cyberstalking
International data suggests that cyberstalking occurs in nearly every country, but reporting varies widely
Law enforcement agencies report an increase of 25% in cyberstalking cases over the past five years, indicating escalation
78% of victims experienced repeated attempts to contact or threaten them online, with many cases classified as cyberstalking
15% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of stalking apps or spyware to monitor victims’ devices
63% of victims say that their stalker was someone they knew personally, like a former partner or acquaintance
89% of law enforcement agencies identify cyberstalking as a significant concern, but only a small fraction have dedicated specialized units
Victims aged 25-34 are most likely to experience cyberstalking related to romantic disputes, according to surveys
54% of victims report that their cyberstalker used fake profiles and aliases to communicate with them
15% of victims report that they were cyberstalked through multiple online platforms simultaneously, like social media, email, and messaging apps
37% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of impersonation or fake profiles, which can escalate the harassment
48% of cyberstalkers have prior convictions for other crimes, such as harassment or assault, suggesting a pattern of predatory behavior
just 5% of cyberstalking cases involve international perpetrators, with most cases occurring within the same country
Over 65% of victims report that the cyberstalker accessed their personal devices without consent, such as phones or computers
65% of cyberstalkers use manipulation tactics, like gaslighting or emotional abuse, to maintain control over victims
64% of cyberstalking incidents involve the use of anonymous accounts or masked identities to evade detection
15% of cyberstalking cases involve the use of surveillance apps to track victims’ locations or activities without consent
32% of victims know their cyberstalker personally, such as a former partner, friend, or colleague, which increases the risk of escalation
About 20% of cyberstalking victims are minors under the age of 18, with cyberbullying often overlapping
65% of victims state that their cyberstalker has attempted to contact them multiple times across different platforms, indicating persistent harassment

Prevalence and Demographics of Cyberstalking Interpretation

With cyberstalking increasingly pervasive—especially among women under 40 and often orchestrated by known perpetrators using fake profiles and manipulation—it's clear that our online safety is facing a stealthy epidemic that demands urgent, concerted action from law enforcement and policymakers alike.