Stalking means “a knowing or an intentional course of conduct involving repeated or continuing harassment of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened and that actually causes the victim to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, or threatened” (http://victimsofcrime.org). With repeated acts of stalking, the behaviors of stalking can increase and escalate to a very dangerous and even lethal situation. Rarely will stalkers quit, so it is important to take steps to get help.
If you are a victim of stalking, contact an advocate for assistance with safety options and planning. Having a strong support system to help you while experiencing stalking is important. They can help you feel safer with your environment, be a witness to events, help you plan for your safety, and help you document. Using different forms of technology and social media, can be scary if someone is stalking you. Sometimes they can imposter people they are not to gain access to more information or contact with you. It’s important to limit the amount of information communicated online to anyone. Using control settings on your phone and social media account will also be helpful. New forms of apps and programing can make stalking easier. When documenting, talking to the police, filing a PO, or sharing any personal information about yourself it is important to not list personal information about yourself that the stalker could obtain.
Remember it is crucial to document any stalking events. Please contact an advocate at CCI to assist you.