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In the final episode of this stalking miniseries, forensic psychologist Dr. Catrin Williams explores cyberstalking and the ways digital technologies can be used to harass, monitor, intimidate, and psychologically destabilise victims. The episode discusses why cyberstalking is often far more invasive and persistent than people assume, and why solutions such as blocking accounts or deleting social media are rarely enough to stop determined offenders.
The episode focuses on the case of James Florence, who carried out prolonged and escalating campaigns against multiple victims over several years. Using IT expertise, encrypted services, VPNs, hacked accounts, impersonation, and automated monitoring tools, Florence targeted at least seven victims — including minors — through online harassment, image manipulation, doxxing, humiliation campaigns, and sexualised abuse.
Dr. Williams discusses the psychological impact of cyberstalking, including the loss of safety, hypervigilance, fear, and the feeling that there is no clear escape when the abuse follows victims across platforms and into everyday life. The episode also explores how anonymity, moral disengagement, and blurred boundaries online can contribute to offending behaviour, particularly among younger perpetrators who may not fully grasp the seriousness or long-term consequences of their actions.
The discussion examines the overlap between online and offline stalking, the challenges law enforcement face in investigating technologically sophisticated offenders, and the broader question of how digital spaces can amplify coercive and obsessive behaviour.
Who was talking?
Dr Catrin Williams (Forensic Psychologist)
List of Topics Covered
- What cyberstalking is and how it differs from offline stalking
- The James Florence case and technology-facilitated abuse
- Psychological impacts of cyberstalking on victims
- Online anonymity, escalation, and challenges for law enforcement
References and Reading
Please see all references on episode 0 of this miniseries
Ayerza, J. M., Lee, J. R., & Holt, T. J. (2026). Cyberstalking and online dating: Examining cyberstalking victimization among dating app users. Asian Journal of Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11417-025-09480-2
Bussu, A., Pulina, M., Ashton, S.-A., Mangiarulo, M., & Molloy, E. (2025). Cyberbullying and cyberstalking victimisation among university students: A narrative systematic review. International Review of Victimology. https://doi.org/10.1177/02697580241257217
Dreßing, H., Bailer, J., Anders, A., Wagner, H., & Gallas, C. (2014). Cyberstalking in a large sample of social network users: Prevalence, characteristics, and impact upon victims. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17(2), 61–67. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2012.0231
Kim, B., Lee, J. R., & Reyns, B. W. (2023). A multilevel meta-analysis of cyberstalking: Domains and subdomains of contributing factors. Journal of Criminal Justice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2023.102127
Lee, S. S., Park, J., & Lee, J. (2025). Gender differences in cyberstalking: The roles of risk, control, and opportunity factors in social media. Behavioral Sciences, 15(5), Article 566. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050566
Maran, D. A., & Begotti, T. (2019). Prevalence of cyberstalking and previous offline victimization in a sample of Italian university students. Social Sciences, 8(1), Article 30. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci8010030
Weekes, C. J., Worsley, J. D., Wheatcroft, J. M., & Short, E. (2025). Cyberstalking perpetrators and their methods: A systematic literature review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380251333411
Content warnings and Disclaimer
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This episode contains discussions of stalking, harassment, sexual abuse material, coercive behaviour, and online exploitation that some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests and do not represent the official positions of any organisation or professional body. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as psychological advice or a substitute for professional consultation. While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information shared, psychological concepts and case details are simplified for discussion. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or deceased, is purely coincidental unless explicitly stated.
The hosts and guests will never discuss any details of individual cases or locations that they have personally worked with or within. Vague personal and professional experiences may be shared as part of discussions, but considerable details will have been changed to ensure that there is no identifiable information to ensure anonymity and confidentiality. There will be no discussion on any current or ongoing cases in the United Kingdom, not any cases from the United Kingdom unless they are historical and fully resolved. All discussions adhere to HCPC and BPS ethical guidelines regarding confidentiality, professional boundaries and responsible communication of psychological information.
Listener discretion is advice, as some topics may contain descriptions of violence trauma and other sensitive content.
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