Today, I present the third article in a series on harassment. In this article, I seek to understand how to prevent harassment.
I hope this article will help raise awareness of the issue and encourage collective thinking to reduce harassment. It’s crucial that we work together to create a safer, more respectful world, where everyone can flourish without fear of harassment.

https://www.lalanguefrancaise.com/dictionnaire/definition/mieux-vaut-prevenir-que-guerir
Preventing harassment
Personal aggression and various types of harassment are unfortunately commonplace, and can be difficult to anticipate or avoid. Their often subtle and hidden nature makes detection and prevention even more complex. Although each individual incident may sometimes seem insignificant, it is important to stress that it is often the accumulation of incidents that creates a serious problem.
Trust your instincts if you sense worrying behavior, even if you’re not sure. As the saying goes, asking the question is the answer. Every deviant behavior can be the start of a stalking case.
That said, I’d like to introduce you to a number of ways in which you can reduce the scope and impact of certain actions towards you by others. By taking concrete steps and arming yourself with knowledge, you can strengthen your resilience and your ability to deal with such situations.
Don’t hesitate to implement self-defense strategies, surround yourself with people you trust and seek professional support if necessary.
Remember that your well-being and safety are paramount. By educating yourself about the warning signs and boosting your self-confidence, you can reduce the impact of these harmful behaviors in your life.
- Detecting suspicious behavior: If something or someone seems suspicious or makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your intuition. The first step in preventing things from escalating is to stop malicious behavior as quickly as possible.(See article no. 2.)
- Communicate clearly: Inform the other person that their behavior is unacceptable and explicitly ask them to stop. Do so in writing if possible, and keep a copy of any communication as proof.
- Avoid unnecessary contact: For example, limit or cut off all contact with your former partner, except in the case of legal or family obligations.
- **Evaluate privacy settings: **Familiarize yourself with the privacy settings of your devices and applications to limit access to your data and what you share on the Internet. Like the “Snap” application, for example, which automatically shares your location in real time.
- Change the locks on your home: To secure your private premises and make sure no one can get into your house.
- Update your passwords: This includes social media accounts, bank accounts and other online accounts. Please enable two-factor authentication settings.
- Inform people you trust: Tell your friends, family and colleagues about the situation so they can be alert.
- Keep a diary: Record all incidents of harassment, including dates, times, places and any witnesses.
- Collect evidence: Keep texts, e-mails and other forms of communication from the person harassing you. Take screenshots of inappropriate messages.
- Consult a mental health professional: Harassment can have a serious impact on your psychological well-being. Talking to a psychologist or other mental health professional could help you manage your stress and anxiety.
- Contact the police: If the harassment persists or takes a more threatening turn, don’t hesitate to file a complaint with the authorities.
- Obtain a protection order: Depending on the seriousness of the situation, a protection order or restraining order may be necessary.
Finally, it’s essential to remember that no one has the right to harass you, and that you’re not powerless in the face of such a situation.
The harassment prevention strategies outlined above are proactive steps you can take to reduce risk and protect yourself.
Nevertheless, remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage. Each of us has a role to play in the fight against harassment, whether as a victim, a witness or simply as a member of society. Together, we can create a culture of respect and safety for all.
Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for help if you need it. You’re not alone. Let’s stand together to put an end to harassment!
Harassment testimony
During my research for this article, I came across a number of links in the media. Here are a few of them.
160,000 children are victims of harassment in Quebec schools.
At the age of 9, Wylliam wanted to commit suicide. Bullied since kindergarten, he kept silent. His anger and bruises should have given him away, but no one, not even his parents, understood what was happening to him. Bullying was hell for him.
Harassed by a troll for over a year, he obtains justice
Trois-Pistoles resident Sébastien Rioux, who has been the target of a troll for over a year, is finally starting to breathe again. Victim of daily threats and intimidation, Sébastien Rioux chose to file a complaint and was successful in obtaining justice.
The hell of online harassment victims
Documentary filmmaker Sébastien Rioux claims to have been through hell, as for 18 months he was harassed by an unknown person on all his digital platforms, whether by e-mail or on social networks.
Photo of Ian Lafrenière’s graffiti: Pawluck coupable
Jennifer Pawluck, who posted a graffiti on the Internet showing SPVM commander Ian Lafrenière with a bullet hole in his head, has been found guilty of criminal harassment.
Coban found guilty in Amanda Todd cyberbullying case
Dutchman accused of stalking B.C. teen Amanda Todd on the Internet, who later committed suicide, found guilty on all counts by jury
Here are the links to the articles in this series
- Criminal harassment – The laws [Links to articles 1]
- Stalking – Its different forms [Links to article 2]
- How to detect espionage with technological tools? [Links to articles 4]
- What is “Revenge Porn” or disclosure porn? [Links to articles 5]
Get help – Resource for you
- If you need support, have suicidal thoughts or are worried about a loved one, call 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553). A suicide prevention counsellor is available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- You can also visit commentparlerdusuicide.com
- If you are a victim of domestic violence and are looking for help and respite, call SOS Violence conjugale at 1 800 363-9010. Counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- In case of crisis and fear for your life, find a women’s shelter on fmhf.ca.
- The Centres d’aide aux victimes d’actes criminels (CAVAC) help the loved ones of crime victims following traumatic events: 1-866-le CAVAC (1 866 532-2822) or cavac.qc.ca
- Reporting harassment in the workplace: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/fr/service-clientele/plaintes-recours/plaintes-en-normes-travail/plainte-pour-harcelement-psychologique-sexuel
- Montreal Police Department– https://spvm.qc.ca/fr/Contact
The “Educaloi” site offers a complete list of services available to you:
I invite you to click on “Follow” to continue learning more about the field of information security.