This week I’d like to discuss stalking and how it relates to domestic violence victims. Stalking is repeated unwanted attention. The stalker can either be an acquaintance, a former intimate partner, or a stranger. He or she repeatedly pursues the victim through many different means.
Stalking can include:
- Following you,
- showing up at your home or work uninvited,
- sending texts, emails, or calling when you’ve told them to stop,
- sending unwanted presents,
- tracking you by some form of GPS or locating device,
- damaging your belongings,
- threatening you,
- threatening to kidnap your children, and many other actions.
What should you do if you’re being stalked?
Write everything down in a log book. Keep track of all contact with the stalker, including saving text messages, emails, voice mails, unwanted presents, and anything else that can be used as evidence.
Change patterns and consider staying in someone else’s home where you can’t be located.
Contact the authorities and provide your log book.
Stalking is a crime and must be taken seriously. If you know of anyone who is experiencing this, please pass along the information. Remember, if we can help just one person, we’ve done our job.
Have a great week!
Katelin Maloney
- Tjaden, Patricia & Thoennes, Nancy. (1998). “Stalking in America.” National Institute for Justice.