|
What is stalking?
Unwanted pursuit, following or harassment. Two common features: actions not wanted and they threaten or cause fear.
What are the behaviors?
- following
- obsessive behavior
- inappropriate approaches & confrontations
- unwanted telephone calls
- threats
- threats to family and friends
- unwanted letters
- unwanted or threatening gifts
- damage to property
- physical assault
- unwanted e-mail
- appearing at place of residence, school, or work
- sexual assault
Motivations:
- intense affections
- extreme dislike of the person relationship
- breakup feels that their victim belongs to them
- Women are significantly more likely to be stalked by intimate partners
Law defined by California penal code: Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follow or harasses another person and who makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her immediate family.
Warning Signs
- extreme jealousy
- following
- threats
- physical or verbal abuse
- damage or destruction to your property
- makes your friends or family feel scared or uneasy
- offers of unsolicited help
- refused to accept no for an answer
- switches between rage and “love”
- unable to cope with rejection
- falls instantly in love
What can you do?
Write down everything that happens. Include dates, locations, times and any exact words that you can remember. Keep answering machine taipes that might included threatening or inappropriate messages. Keep any letters, notes, other writings and any objects or gifts sent to you. Tell friends and family the importance of keeping your personal information private. Tell someone.
Sample of NO - Contact Statements:
- “I’m not interested in having a relationship with you. Do not continue to call, or stop by, or have any contact with me whatsoever.”
-“I am ending our relationship. Do not make any attempt to try and renew it. I will not change my mind. I do not wish to have any contact with you now or in the future. IF you try to contact me, I will take legal action.”
Links:
Stalking Resource Center at the National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=dash_Home
Stalking Behavior: a comprehensive site of stalking behaviors, definitions, and links
http://www.stalkingbehavior.com
|
