58 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Social Sciences ISSN: 2521-3539 Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 58-66, 2018 DOI: 10.20448/2001.42.58.66 OVIAR: Towards a Model for Cyberstalking Intervention and Reduction Paul Bocij 1 1 Aston University , England. Abstract Despite more than two decades of research, relatively little is known about cyber stalking and similar phenomena. In particular, the existing literature tells us little about how cases unfold, how they can be managed or how we can work towards reduction. This paper presents a model depicting the dynamics and lifecycle of a cyber stalking episode. While primarily concerned with cyberstalking, the model may also be relevant to other forms of victimisation and is accordingly titled the Online Victimisation Intervention & Reduction (OVIAR) Model. Cyberstalking is shown as an iterative cycle made up of discrete stages. It is argued that each stage provides opportunities to deter the cyberstalker allowing the model to offer guidance about which interventions may be effective at a given point in the lifecycle. In proposing the model, the work draws upon a number of areas including information systems, criminology and psychology. A key part of the discussion involves the decision behaviour of the cyberstalker. It is argued that cyberstalking incidents involve a number of decision points that may serve to curtail or escalate the cyberstalker’s activities. The decisions made by the cyberstalker will be influenced by several factors, including the feedback he receives from his actions. Understanding how cyberstalkers make decisions can provide opportunities to prevent discourage further acts of harassment against victims. It may also benefit attempts to reduce or prevent victimisation in the first place. In discussing these areas, we draw upon areas such as rational choice theory, victim coping responses and the notions of intrinsic and extrinsic feedback.The model is intended to be understandable by a wide range of stakeholders, including law enforcement, technology professionals and victims themselves. For those involved in dealing with cyberstalking, it provides a tool that can be used to inform the management of cases. For academics, it is intended to provide a framework for further discussion and research. Keywords: OVIAR Model Lifecycle Cyberstalking Online victimisation Online harassment. Licensed: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Publisher: Scientific Publishing Institute 1. Introduction This paper describes the OVIAR model in depth. Its focus is on the use of the model as an explanatory tool and its application as a means of mitigating harassment. Some of the research that informed the development of the model will appear in one or more sister papers (in preparation). The work adopts a number of conventions for stylistic purposes and in order to aid understanding. For the purposes of the discussion provided here, cyberstalking is defined as: A group of behaviors in which an individual, group of individuals or organization uses information and communications technology to harass another individual, group of individuals or an organization. Such behaviors may include, but are not limited to, the transmission of threats and false accusations, identity theft, data theft, damage to data or equipment, computer monitoring, the solicitation of minors for sexual purposes, and any form of aggression.