Andhra Pradesh Women’s Commission Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja said that instances of cyberstalking have become more rampant due to the rise in use of technology.

Addressing an awareness programme on ‘Prevention of Stalking’ organised in association with the National Women’s Commission at Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) here on Tuesday, she said women’s security had become so dependent on one’s digital presence.

“Calling a person over phone, sending messages, misusing personal information will also amount to stalking,” she said.

Sending gifts or bouquets without consent, creating fake profiles using women’s display picture to draw attention are some of the examples of cyber stalking cases on the rise, she added.

Ms. Sailaja said women can raise complaints using helpline numbers 181 (women), 112 (emergency) and 1930 (cyber crime), and urged them to call these numbers to raise an alarm.

Additional Superintendent of Police Srilatha, Sub-Inspector A. Jayaswamulu, legal expert K. Sravani, psychologist S. Viswanath Reddy also took part.