SARC Stalking Information
Like victims, stalkers come from all genders, races, classes, and educational backgrounds. There is no single profile of a stalker, and stalking can include any number of behaviors. What is often important in understanding a stalking case is the context of the stalkers course of conduct. In other words, what does that conduct mean to that particular victim. Quite often, non-criminal acts such as sending cards or walking down a street can constitute stalking. What may appear to a bystander to be an innocent gesture may be to the victim the sign that their stalker has found them once again and is watching.
Stalking behaviors include:
- Following victims and/or showing up wherever a victims goes
- Repeatedly calling
- Causing damage to personal property
- Sending unwanted cards, notes, emails, flowers, or gifts
- Monitoring telephone calls or computer uses (such as checking emails or web histories)
- Driving or walking by home, office, school, or other family’s homes
- Violating court orders of protection
- Threatening victim, family, friends, pets
- Contacting friends, neighbors, co-workers for information
- Using access to public records and on-line search services
Visit the Stalking Resource Center for more information.
Stalking Safety Planning
Like domestic violence and sexual assault, victims should think about and follow an active safety plan when they are experiencing stalking behavior. It is important to speak to victims about their safety plan. Follow a safety plan, including some of the tips below, may reduce a victims risks of suffering physical or emotional harm at the hands of their stalker/abuser.
Tips for victims of stalking:
- Trust your instincts!
- Report stalking behavior to law enforcement, friends, family, and advocates
- Keep a log of stalking incidents
- Locate a safe place to go to if you think you are being followed
- Obtain a Peace or Protective Order
- Keep any evidence of stalking such as notes, answering machine messages, emails, and photos
- Install deadbolts and outdoor lighting
- Alert neighbors and co-workers about the situation
- If possible, do not travel alone
- Do NOT confront or communicate with the stalker