‘What I Would Have Liked from the Police’: Victims’ Experiences of Police Engagement During the Investigation of Cyberstalking and Cyberharassment

Victims of cyberstalking and online harassment experience barriers when engaging with the police, yet little is known about the psychological and social processes involved in these interactions. This study explored how victims of cyberstalking reported to police, and what factors influenced their decision to continue with their investigations. Fifty-three adults (44 women and 9 men), whose police investigations were closed and had not been identified as vulnerable by the police, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were thematically analysed within a critical realist approach. Three themes were identified: (a) victims delayed reporting due to stigma, self-blame and not being taken seriously; (b) police responses that dismissed or undermined their complaints, reinforced these fears, while empathetic and validating police responses alleviated distress and encouraged participation; and (c) victims actively contributed to evidence gathering, but often felt unsupported, particularly when police neglected to investigate or follow up on information provided. Findings highlight the central role of initial police contact in shaping victims’ trust and engagement. Trauma-informed, victim-centred and digitally literate police practices, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration with specialist community advocates, are discussed to improve outcomes and support victims in cyberstalking cases.