Stalking Awareness

What is Stalking?
Stalking can take many different forms and occur through different avenues. One thing that all stalking victims have in common is that they fear for their safety or the safety of a family member because of threatening behaviors.1 According to the Bureau of Justice, stalking behavior can include: making unwanted phone calls or sending unwanted emails or letters following or spying on the victim leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of mouth.

Who Is At Risk for Stalking?

Anyone can become a victim of stalking but those between the ages of 18-24 experience the highest rate of stalking.2 In a majority of cases, victims are stalked by someone they know. 30% of stalking victims are stalked by an intimate partner.3 In todays world, stalking can take place in person, online, or through cell phones. Two-thirds of stalkers pursue their victims once a week, sometimes daily, and use more than one method.4 Some stalkers use a weapon, but all rely on fear and pressure to control and harass their victim.

What are the Effects of Stalking?

Stalking can have devastating effects on victims. Being stalked can take away a victims peace of mind and make them constantly fearful. Anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression are much higher for stalking victims than for the general public.5 Stalking can cause problems in all areas of a victims life. One in eight stalking victims lose time from work due to their victimization. One in seven stalking victims move from their residence as a result of being stalked.6

What Can You Do If Youre Being Stalked?

If you ever feel threatened or in danger, call 911 immediately. If youre being stalked, Safe Horizon recommends taking the following precautions: Keep a log of incidents including date, time and location. Having documentation can assist both law enforcement and prosecutors. Use a PO Box for all correspondence to help keep your address confidential. Save any voicemails, letters, texts, or packages from the stalker. If someone is following you, do not go home. Go to a police station. Inform your friends, family, and security at your place of employment that youre being stalked so that the stalker cannot get information or access to you from them.
SOURCES 1. http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=tp&tid=973 2. http://sites.jcu.edu/vpac/pages/stalking/stalking-statistics/ 3. http://www.ottnow.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=15 4. http://www.ottnow.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=55&Itemid=15 5. Eric Blauuw et al., The Toll of Stalking, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17, no. 1 (2002):50-63. 6. Eric Blauuw et al., The Toll of Stalking, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 17, no. 1 (2002):50-63.

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