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Victims of tragedies face an uphill battle fighting online trolls

Shanann Watts' father called on social media giants to 'do the right thing, to take some responsibility for your platforms, and to stop this despicable conduct.'

FREDERICK, Colorado — Frank Rzucek flew to Colorado on Monday and drove to the home his pregnant daughter and two granddaughters were killed in. He stood outside and told reporters that over the past eleven months, ever since Shanann’s husband murdered her, that he and his family have been “subjected to horrible, cruel abuse and outright bullying on a daily basis.”

“Every time we turn around, there is someone trying to capitalize on this tragedy by spreading false rumors, or outright lies, about Shanann and our grandchildren. We have even been subjected to threats on our lives, all because we are the victims of a painful tragedy,” he said.

RELATED: 'Every time we turn around, there is someone trying to capitalize on this tragedy': Father of Shanann Watts calls for end to cyberbullying

Then, he called out Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, saying that he and his family have reported abuse on these platforms many times “but to no avail.”

None of the three social media platforms have responded to 9NEWS’ request for comment so it’s hard to know if they’ve taken action. But Dr. Denise Mowder, former prosecutor and associate professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver said Rzucek and other victims face an uphill battle.

“They’re obnoxious but they aren’t fools and they know exactly how far they can push it before it becomes a violation,” she said of people behind their keyboards, creating content that’s upsetting Shanann’s family.

All three platforms have harassment and cyberbullying policies, all of them prohibiting inciting or threatening people. But other portions of these policies vary. Mowder said YouTube’s policy includes more broad language such as prohibiting content ‘that is deliberately posted in order to humiliate someone.’

“That’s very subjective. Because what humiliates one person might not the other,” she said.

Facebook, on the other hand, has a much more specific policy, including distinguishing from public and private figures.

RELATED: Chris Watts not fighting wrongful death lawsuit filed by Shanann Watts’ family

RELATED: 'You're An Evil Monster': Chris Watts Sentenced in Deaths of Pregnant Wife, 2 Daughters

Rzucek didn’t share what specifically has been said about his family online so it’s not clear what violations of these policies have been made. He did say that they’ve reported abuse on the sites several times.

It’s not clear what steps, if any, he wants to take next. But legal action, Mowder believes, would be an uphill battle.

“Would a reasonable person feel harassed. That’s what the jury would be told. It’s an uphill battle.”

Find cyberbullying and harassment policies here: YouTube, Facebook, Twitter

RELATED: Why do trolls attack victims of tragedy?

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