Thursday, Heather Elvis’s parents held a private press conference to talk about the danger of cyber bullying.
The Elvis’s say over the last year and a half, social media has played a large part in spreading the word of the Elvis case, but now things like Facebook have become a way for people to harass and even stalk the family and many others.
“This is progressing to the point that it’s dangerous and we need the community to be aware of who they are dealing with,” said Debbi Elvis
In a private setting with only select members of the media invited, Heather’s parents, Debbi and Terry Elvis, spoke about how strangers use social media to intrude on their family.
“You need to develop a tougher skin; nobody believes anything on the internet. We’re told to expect that,” said Debbie Elvis. “This is the way the world works now, but I won’t believe this is the way the world works now,” she added.
Debbi Elvis says the online attacks range from harassment to stalking in some cases; with strangers posting pictures of the family online as well as digging through their personal history and information.
It does not end with the family.
The Elvis’s say the harassment also impacted people who once fought for them.
“They say we have no interest in helping with this anymore because we have no interest in this case anymore because we’ve been attacked,” said Debbi Elvis.
The Elvis’s ask people to not engage these cyber bullies because it only perpetuates the hatred.
Instead, they ask people to support them in the search for their daughter.
“We understand the charges and we understand the situation, but faith won’t allow you to give up on that you can’t,” said Terry Elvis.
The Elvis’s say they did not want to have to speak out against this harassment, but it has intensified over the last few weeks to the point where they fear leaving their homes.
They say putting a stop to it is as simple as not engaging in online bullying and speaking out if you see anyone you know taking part.
