What is Stalking?

While each state’s laws vary, most define stalking as a course of conduct that places a person in fear for their safety. Virtually any unwanted contact between a stalker and their victim which directly or indirectly communicates a threat or places the victim in fear can generally be referred to as stalking.

There are many kinds of stalking.

Some stalkers obsess over women and men they hardly know while others stalk someone they have had a relationship with in the past.

The most common form of stalking is the simple obsession stalker. The self-esteem of simple obsession stalkers is often closely tied to their relationship with their partner. In many cases, such stalkers inflate their own self-esteem by dominating and intimidating their mates.

Exercising power over another gives them some sense of power in a world where they otherwise feel powerless.

Domestic Violence and Stalking

Many batterers stalk their mates. For some victims stalking is why they leave their mate. It not only affects home life but work and other aspects of everyday activity. Many times people have to leave jobs and significantly change their routines to escape the stalker. This sometimes includes moving to another city or state.

Often when the victim leaves the relationship it accelerates the stalking. Stalkers are the most dangerous when they are first deprived of their source of power and self-esteem. The stalker's thought pattern progresses from, "If I can just prove to you how much I love you," to "I can make you love me," to "If I can't have you, nobody else will.” 

If you are being stalked:

q       Take notice of the times that you see your stalker.

q       Keep a log of times and places where the stalking takes place. If he calls your home or office let the machine pick up and keep the message for evidence.

q       Alert law enforcement. You may be able to obtain an order of protection if the stalking continues.

Most Importantly! Do not underestimate a stalker. If you think you are being stalked don’t take any chances. Alert law enforcement the moment you feel unsafe! 

Stalking cases that emerge from domestic violence situations, constitute the most common and potentially lethal class of stalking cases.

Domestic violence victims who leave an abusive relationship run a 75% higher risk of being murdered by their partners

                                                          From the NCVC web page.