Stalking

Overview
Stalking is conduct that places another person in a position of fear. Although specific legal definitions of stalking vary by state, stalking can include watching, following or approaching the target, drive-bys, threatening phone calls or hang-ups, threatening mail, love notes or compromising photographs. Stalking may include vandalism of a vehicle, home or other property, as well as planting or delivering unwanted objects, such as stuffed animals, tarot cards, black roses or dead flowers. The objects may or may not have symbolic meaning. The stalker often wants contact, not just surveillance.
Stalking may occur before a relationship begins, during a relationship or after a relationship has ended. Abusers who are emotionally dependent on their partners and prone to impulsive or uncontrolled displays of anger are more likely to stalk their partners.


Statistics
In the United States, about 2 percent of men and 8 percent of women report being stalked at some point in their lifetime.

An estimated 78 percent of stalking victims are women. More than 80 percent are Caucasian, 74 percent are between ages 18 and 39, and nearly 60 percent are married. About 35 percent of stalking victims have a high school diploma, and 46 percent are college educated.

Nearly 90 percent of stalkers are male. An estimated 80 percent are Caucasian, and 50 percent are between ages 18 and 35. Stalkers often have above average intelligence and income. Many have a personality or mental disorder.

Among women, 38 percent of stalking victims are stalked by current or former husbands, 14 percent by current or former boyfriends, and 10 percent by current or former cohabiting partners.

An estimated 82 percent of stalkers follow their victims. More than 60 percent make unwanted phone calls, 30 percent send unwanted letters, and 30 percent use vandalism.

Categories of stalking
There are five categories of stalking behaviors:
Simple obsession stalking arises from a former personal relationship and often extends a previous pattern of domestic violence or abuse. An estimated 60 percent of stalking cases are this type. Simple obsession stalking is more likely to result in physical harm to the victim.

Love obsession stalking may involve casual acquaintances or complete strangers. The stalker attempts to establish a personal relationship with the victim, often scripting a relationship and inventing fantasies about the person. In an attempt to raise self-esteem by associating with a person held in high regard, the stalker may accept a negative relationship with the victim rather than having no relationship at all.

With erotomania stalking, the stalker often suffers from a mental disorder. The stalker does not seek to establish or re-establish a relationship with the victim. Rather, he or she believes such a relationship already exists. Most celebrity stalkings are of this form.

With vengeance or terrorism stalking, the stalking is a way to "get even" or seek revenge. The stalking is often intended to end a particular behavior, such as stalking doctors to discourage them from completing abortions or stalking a former employer in retaliation for being fired.

Cyberstalking is a new form of stalking without a formal definition. Generally, cyberstalking includes the use of the Internet, e-mail or telecom technology to harass or stalk someone. It's often an extension of a physical form of stalking.

Legal issues
Since California passed the first anti-stalking law in 1990, all 50 states in the United States have enacted similar laws. Generally, anti-stalking laws allow authorities to intervene in a stalking situation whether the stalker has actually committed violence against the target or not. For specifics on local stalking laws, contact an attorney or your local district attorney's office. If a stalker crosses a state border to stalk someone, the stalking is considered a federal crime and charges may be brought in federal court.

Coping strategies
If you or someone you know is in imminent danger from a stalker, it's important to go to a safe place immediately, such as a police station, domestic violence shelter, or the home of a friend or family member whose location is unknown to the stalker. A public area may also be an appropriate choice because the stalker may be less likely to attempt violence in a public place. Contact local authorities or dial 911 for help.
If the stalker is not posing imminent danger, contact an attorney or your local district attorney's office to obtain a restraining order or protective order against the stalker. It's also wise to document the stalking behavior. For example, keep a written account of the incidents, a log of harassing calls or hang-ups, and photos of any injuries inflicted by the stalker and any vandalized property. Also save any answering machine or voice mail messages and any letters, notes, faxes or e-mails sent by the stalker.

If you're in the position of needing to evade a stalker, it may be helpful to get a new Social Security number. This is a major step that should not be taken lightly, of course. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information.

To maximize your safety, keep the following preventive measures in mind.

At home


Install solid core doors with dead bolt locks.
Install adequate outside lighting.
Trim any bushes or vegetation around your home.
If you cannot account for all house or apartment keys, change your locks and secure any spare keys.
Carry a cellular phone.
Get an unlisted phone number.
Inform trusted neighbors, friends, co-workers or family members about the situation. If you live in an apartment, inform the property manager and any on-site staff members as well. Provide a photograph of the stalker if possible. Ask them to call 911 if they see the stalker.
Establish a contingency or safety plan. You may want to pack a suitcase in case of emergency, including cash, credit cards, bank account information and other important personal items.
Keep phone numbers of local law enforcement and contact people readily available.
Maintain access to transportation.
Online


Do not share personal information through e-mail, chat rooms or user profiles. Use a screen name that's gender-neutral and does not include personal information.
If you choose to meet an online acquaintance in person, use extreme caution. Meet in a public place and bring a friend.
Make sure that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Internet Relay Chat (IRC) services have an acceptable use policy that prohibits cyberstalking. If you're being stalked, inform your ISP or IRC provider. If these providers are not responsive to your complaints or don't have a policy that prohibits cyberstalking, consider switching to another provider.
Consider using your e-mail program to block or filter messages from a particular address or messages containing certain offensive words.
Outside the home


Vary your travel routes, and travel with a companion as often as you can.
Avoid your regular haunts as much as possible.
Limit the amount of time you spend outside, including walking, jogging and running errands.
If you're employed outside the home, it's a good idea to inform your employer of your situation and, if necessary, request an escort in and out of the workplace.

Summary
Remember that no one has the right to hurt or threaten you. Stalking is not your fault and it's not under your control. In addition to contacting the proper authorities and taking all precautions possible, you may want to seek counseling or join a support group for people coping with stalking or abusive situations.