Stalking Awareness 2021
By Jennifer Chandler, Advocate
January is Stalking Awareness Month, but what exactly is stalking? Broadly defined, stalking is a repeating course of conduct aimed at one specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. This means that the behavior of the perpetrator occurs more than once, is specifically aimed at the victim involved, and causes the victim to feel afraid.
Stalking Is:
A crime in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Territories, Federal law, and many tribal codes
DANGEROUS! Stalking can escalate to property damage, physical violence, sexual assault, or even murder
An issue for ALL populations of people including those who may be under-supported such as: LGBTQ, Minorities, undocumented individuals, people with disabilities and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Stalking is NOT:
The victim’s fault
“Harmless”, or “Romantic”
Tips to deal with stalking behavior:
Keep evidence such as text messages, voicemails, photos, and documentation of incidents of stalking (including witness information)You can use this evidence to file for protective orders or criminal charges.
Change your normal routine, including the way you drive to work, hours you work, and where children receive daycare
Change your phone number and door locks
Alert friends, family, and coworkers of the situation (if comfortable) so that they can help
Make a safety plan of where you can go on short notice to stay overnight if needed (friend’s house, hotel, code word)
Use cash if the perpetrator still has access to your bank account to keep them from tracking you
To avoid TECHNOLOGY based stalking/tracking:
Turn off your location or log out of all apps that can track your location like snapchat, facebook, instagram, etc.
Check your car for tracking devices.
Avoid posting on Social Media about what you are doing or where you are going.
For More information on Stalking, visit stalkingawareness.org or call our 24/7 Crisis Line at (336) 243-1934