Textual Harassment
Controlling guys have a new weapon to use against their unsuspecting girlfriends, their smart phone.
It may start innocently enough: The new boyfriend texts and asks where you are and what you’re doing. But it escalates to the point where you have to constantly check in, send pictures to prove you are where you say you are, and answer right away or risk getting in a fight.
The name for it is “textual harassment.”
Jill Murray is a psychologist who wrote the book, “But He Never Hit Me.” She says guys do that as a way to control you. The smart phone has become the weapon of choice for abusive men. It’s hard to recognize at first because there’s no voice attached to the message. So you don’t know if your boyfriend is angry, or just curious, about where you are.
That’s why experts say you need to pay attention to the types of messages being sent. It’s one thing to say “What’s up?” It’s another to say “Where are you?” or “Who are you with?”
Another thing to watch for: If he sends text after text, without giving you time to respond. Some women see it as a sign that their boyfriend cares, but it’s really a modern way of stalking. And the girlfriend may feel compelled to respond, just to avoid a fight. Those fights may eventually turn physical.
The anti-dating-violence organization, Break The Cycle, says if this is happening to you, end the relationship, and do it over the phone! If you’re in this type of situation, it may be the best way to stay safe.
The good news is, text messages are undeniable proof of harassment, and they could help you get a restraining order. So if this is happening to you, don’t take any chances. Tell somebody what’s happening. It’s not normal texting behavior.
It may start innocently enough: The new boyfriend texts and asks where you are and what you’re doing. But it escalates to the point where you have to constantly check in, send pictures to prove you are where you say you are, and answer right away or risk getting in a fight.
The name for it is “textual harassment.”
Jill Murray is a psychologist who wrote the book, “But He Never Hit Me.” She says guys do that as a way to control you. The smart phone has become the weapon of choice for abusive men. It’s hard to recognize at first because there’s no voice attached to the message. So you don’t know if your boyfriend is angry, or just curious, about where you are.
That’s why experts say you need to pay attention to the types of messages being sent. It’s one thing to say “What’s up?” It’s another to say “Where are you?” or “Who are you with?”
Another thing to watch for: If he sends text after text, without giving you time to respond. Some women see it as a sign that their boyfriend cares, but it’s really a modern way of stalking. And the girlfriend may feel compelled to respond, just to avoid a fight. Those fights may eventually turn physical.
The anti-dating-violence organization, Break The Cycle, says if this is happening to you, end the relationship, and do it over the phone! If you’re in this type of situation, it may be the best way to stay safe.
The good news is, text messages are undeniable proof of harassment, and they could help you get a restraining order. So if this is happening to you, don’t take any chances. Tell somebody what’s happening. It’s not normal texting behavior.
