Abused women in fear of threatening SMS

According to stuff.co.nz, text message bullying is not just confined to kids, but to abused women, for whom it's a growing problem.

"Breaches of protection orders by text messaging and the internet are a growing problem for people trying to escape abusive relationships, social groups say.

Rachel Harrison, communications manager of internet safety watchdog NetSafe in New Zealand, said breaches of protection orders were one of the most "persistent" cases they referred to police.

... Christchurch Women's Refuge manager Annette Gillespie said the use of internet and cellphones to abuse women was a growing problem and making it more difficult for women to escape and avoid harassment from abusers.

"Technological advances have had a sinister downside for many women who have been, or are in, abusive relationships," Gillespie said.

"It is an extremely invasive way of getting to women they may not be able to physically access. It is a form of psychological abuse that can be used to create a great degree of fear and terror.

... Reports of this type of abuse were also increasingly common in other countries, Gillespie said. "

emily | 8:56 PM | Bullying by SMS |
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