| A stalker is someone that willfully, maliciously and | | | | · Always identify yourself as a stalking |
| repeatedly follows or harasses another (person) | | | | victim to the authorities, and request complete |
| and makes a credible threat accompanied by the | | | | confidentially for any information given, reports |
| intent to place the victim in fear for their personal | | | | taken under oath, and all legal documentation filed. |
| safety. | | | | Remember that all information given to the |
| High-profile cases of celebrities being stalked by | | | | authorities can be used against you in the court of |
| ex-lovers, out of control fans or paparazzi have | | | | law. |
| raised the public's concern to this crime. However | | | | · File a restraining order against the |
| the majority of stalking victims are ordinary | | | | offender immediately. |
| people, mostly women which are being pursued | | | | · Get an unlisted telephone number. (If |
| and threatened by someone with whom they | | | | possible keep you old phone line active, this will |
| have had a prior relationship. | | | | help avoid an escalation to personal contact.) |
| Over one million women and 350,000 men are | | | | · Get a P.O. Box for legal purposes as |
| stalking victims each year, 1 in 12 women and 1 in | | | | any filings will be public record. (This prevents |
| 45 men will be a stalking victim during their | | | | someone from getting any additional personal |
| lifetime. With these types of numbers we are | | | | information.) |
| hard pressed to control this growing crisis, | | | | · Notify all family members, close friends, |
| statistics and research show that stalking cases | | | | and co-workers about your situation. Alert them |
| are rising annually. | | | | to be suspicious of people inquiring about your |
| Stalking victims are in a state of constant fear 24 | | | | whereabouts or schedule. |
| hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a | | | | · Keep documentation of all occurrences |
| year. The ongoing nature of being a stalking victim | | | | such as police reports or personal log. |
| can cause traumatic psychological damage to the | | | | Documentation can be photos, written entries, |
| victim. | | | | medical reports or answering machine messages |
| If you feel that you are a victim of a stalker | | | | among other things. |
| there are precautions to take to protect yourself, | | | | · Be prepared, keep a small packed |
| these tips are for someone who may find | | | | suitcase in your trunk, important telephone |
| themselves in present danger from a stalker. | | | | numbers on hand, and obtain a personal protection |
| · Find a safe place such as a police | | | | device. |
| station, well lit and well populated public areas, | | | | · Consult a medical professional if you feel |
| your home or family members home, or the local | | | | it is needed, being a victim of a stalker is an |
| shelter. | | | | extremely stressful situation for anyone. |
| · Contact law enforcement officials | | | | · Advanced home security practices |
| immediately or as soon as possible dial 911. | | | | should be considered. Install a security system and |
| · If you need help, ask for it! | | | | security lighting where needed, along with |
| · Do not ignore the stalker; He/She will | | | | deadbolts on entry doors and security locks on |
| not go away. Be alert at all times. | | | | the windows. |
| · Do not confront the perpetrator. You | | | | Stalking victims may not show the physical |
| do not want the situation to become violent. | | | | bruises of someone that is violently attacked; |
| · Keep you personal protection equipment | | | | they are however mentally assaulted day after |
| readily available. | | | | day. No one should have to live life under these |
| Once the situation has been contained, your | | | | conditions, live their life in constant fear. Take the |
| safety has been secured there are other | | | | first steps on the road to regaining peace of mind |
| precautions that can be taken to remain safe. | | | | and your personal freedom. |