I have put up with this minor annoyance for over two years: text messages from an unknown source. The first time I received them I asked the source their identity. None was given except for “an old friend”. I did the standard reverse phone number look up. The free version only gives you the origin of the cell phone store or at best. This really tells you nothing. At that time I was not willing to go the extra mile or pay to find out more.
Since that first text message two years ago, I have ignored the benign infrequent message that were received, never responding, always noticing that were from the same number. (Note: this number is not in my contacts list.)
Yesterday morning, waking up and checking my phone I saw that there was a picture message from that same number. Something told me NOT to open it and view it. It bothered me most of the morning. I sent a text to my Significant Other(SIO); we were having lunch together later. I wanted him to open the picture and advise me. I had mentioned the annoying texts to him a few times but being an extremely independent woman, it was only a passing comment. I don’t often ask him to do things for me, it’s a huge step for me to let him help with even the smallest task. When he arrived I handed him my phone. He opened the picture, frowned, told me I did not want to see the picture and that I needed to talk the police. I frowned back, my self-confidence wavering. I’ve been down this road before and didn’t want to go there again. It’s no fun.
Women fighting for their right to be protected, their right to feel safe is not easy. Victims seem have fewer rights than those committing the crimes. You have to jump through fiery hoops just to get a protective order. And this is just a piece of paper that is delivered, the person served, is not locked away. They are still walking the streets, able to do as they please. If the order says to stay off a certain property, they can be across the street, watching you. They will. Their response, “I was just taking a walk.” Yes, I have been there.
I went to the Police Department, who by the way, have always been very helpful. (I do love my small town!) The detective told me it was not a crime, at least not yet. He proceeded to tell me to be vigilant. If it began to happen more often than I would need take further action. He suggested I contact my phone company and get the number blocked or have my number changed. Sure. Fiery hoops.
My phone company says: 1- I have to pay a fee to have the number blocked, 2- I have to pay a fee to change my number. Additionally if I change my number I have to let all my contacts know that I have changed my number. My SIO is furious. He wants to speak to the police on my behalf, the cell phone carrier, mine and the “other”.
Do you see the point? I need to feel protected here, but I am going to have jump through the fiery hoops. Why can’t the carrier of that cell phone be charged when I insist that that number be blocked for harassment? Do I have to go to court to get this done?
Did I mention that I didn’t see the picture? I haven’t. My SIO saw it, the detective saw and deleted for me. I’m sure somewhere in the data files of the cell phone companies it can be retrieved because you know that everything you send, type, say electronically can be retrieved. It just a matter of how much effort you put forth to feeling protected, as in this particular situation.
How far does anyone have to go to feel safe from harassment? It doesn’t matter where the harassment occurs, what form the harassment. It is still harassment. Ignored means not interested and No means No. Keep your garbage off my phone and out of my life.
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