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Stalking

One out of every 12 women has been stalked at some time in her life. The National Center for Victims of Crime defines stalking as "virtually any unwanted contact between two people that directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear..." Examples may include:

following a person

appearing at a person's home or place of business

making harassing phone calls

leaving written messages or objects

vandalizing a person's property

The majority of stalking victims are between 18 and 39 years old. The most common type of stalking is by a person in a former personal or romantic relationship, like an ex-husband — only a small number of women are stalked by strangers.

Stalking can be very traumatic and cause emotional stress. Victims of stalking may have nightmares; feel out of control; have trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating; or feel vulnerable or depressed. Stalking can also cause financial stress if the victim loses time from work or can't go to work.

If You Think You're Being Stalked

If you think you're being stalked, take these steps:

If you are in immediate danger, find a safe place to go, like a police station, friend's house, domestic violence shelter, or a public area. If you can't get out of danger, but can get to a phone, call 911.

If you think you could be in danger, get a restraining order. A restraining order requires the stalker to stay away from you and not contact you. Talk to a victim advocate or attorney in your area to see how to get a restraining order and if an arrest can be made if the stalker violates the order.

File a complaint with the police. Tell them about all threats.

Write down every incident that happens. Include the time, date, and other important information.

Keep videotapes, audiotapes, answering machine/voicemail messages, photos of property damage, and letters.

Contact support systems to help you, including domestic violence and rape crisis hotlines, domestic violence shelters, the district attorney's office, police, counseling services, and support groups. Make sure to also keep these numbers handy, just in case you need them.

Tell important people about the stalking problem, including the police, your employer, and family, friends, and neighbors.

If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love, or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. Get immediate help and support.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY). Spanish speakers are available. When you call, you will first hear a recording and may have to hold. Hotline staff offer crisis intervention and referrals. If requested, they connect women to shelters and can send out written information.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-656-4673. When you call, you will hear a menu and can choose #1 to talk to a counselor. You will then be connected to a counselor in your area who can help you. You can also visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Additional Resources

Publications

Stalking Victimization — This brochure contains the definition and facts about stalking. It also includes what to do if you are being stalked and where to locate assistance.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/publications/infores/help_series/pdftxt/stalkingvictimization.pdf...

10 Things You Need to Know About Stalking (Copyright © NCVC) — Some of the facts listed in this publication may surprise you. Read it to learn ten things everyone should know about stalking. Understanding these basics can help you prevent stalking or better identify and protect yourself if you are stalked.

http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=37605...

http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=37408...

How Much Do You Know About Stalking? Test Your Knowledge (Copyright © NCVC) — Take this on-line quiz to see how well you understand the problem of stalking in America. You can compare your responses to an answer key to learn more.

http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=DB_SRC_Quiz198

Legal Resource Kit: Stalking (Copyright © Legal Momentum) — This publication contains an overview of stalking, how to protect yourself if you are being stalked, stalking laws and other legal remedies, anti-stalking legislation, and further resources.

http://www.legalmomentum.org/site/DocServer/stalking2005.pdf?docID=555

http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=38733...

Stalking Laws (Copyright © NCVC) — The National Center for Victims of Crime has compiled this comprehensive listing of stalking laws. You can find information about criminal stalking laws by state, civil stalking laws by state, the federal interstate stalking statute, a summary of Federal laws, federal penalties statutes and even tribal codes on stalking.

http://www.ncvc.org/src/main.aspx?dbID=DB_All_Legislation188

Supporting Stalking Victims in the Military: Advice for Advocates (Copyright © NCVC) — This fact sheet contains 14 tips for advocates of victims of stalking in the military. It gives advice on how to respond to the victim, what information to ask, and who to contact.

http://www.ncvc.org/src/AGP.Net/Components/DocumentViewer/Download.aspxnz?DocumentID=40615...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated January 15, 2009.