Katherine Wong/Staff Writer
Before I was ever introduced to the MTV show “Catfish,” I never questioned the possibility of someone using my images to create a fake persona online. The show, while absurd and scripted at times, gave me insight into what could potentially happen to me. The possibility of a friend, a stranger or even a family member using my images to forge an identity online absolutely terrified me.
Using a person’s image online without their permission in any manner violates a person’s right. It has the potential to absolutely destroy a person’s life — whether that be personal, social or work life. Over time, even if taken care of properly, this can eventually come back to them, haunting them for years to come.
Over time, that fear came to be a reality. Someone whom I considered a friend decided to screenshot images I had uploaded online to my personal account, and used them. In using my images, they catfished multiple men online for obscene acts.
After finding out, I knew immediately what to do. Because I work for the Victim Empowerment Program as a peer educator, I was already equipped with the training to handle a situation similar to this. However, I never thought I’d have to use it on myself.
Here are the exact steps I followed:
- Go to a VEP counselor to file a Disclosure form. This will indicate that you are making a report.
- File a complaint with student conduct. This can either be done in person at their office of academic affairs in GC, or online at conduct.fiu.edu. The more information you have on the perpetrator, the easier the process.
- Contact your RA and ARLC (this is specific to those who live on campus).
- Contact the FIU police department.
- Schedule an appointment with CAPS. This can be done at 305-348-2277. If you need to talk to a counsellor ASAP, press one after you call the number.
- Seek help from VEP. This is free and confidential.
Without being a part of the VEP team, I would not have known what I should have done in that situation. Although this information is out there, it is not commonly known to FIU students because not enough being done to spread the message.
Each student, upon entering FIU, has to take a mandatory two part sexual assault prevention course. I’d argue, that on top of this, it should be mandatory for students to undergo a course that teaches students about the self-help resources available on campus, and how to access them.
But that is not to say that specific organizations are at fault. Organizations on campus can only do so much. FIU needs to establish a firm policy where students are educated on what they have access to, not just the signs in bathroom stalls.
If I’ve learned anything from my experience as a victim, it’s that I have every right to stand my ground and say what happened to me, regardless of what anyone else says. I’m fortunate enough to be in a position where I am able to openly discuss what had happened to me, although I understand not everyone is able to do the same.
Regardless, FIU has numerous resources available on campus to help those in need of help in any uncomfortable situation. My advice? Seek help. There is always going to be someone here on campus to help, and those who will look out for you.
Featured photo by Justin Lee on Flickr.
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