Stalking
Stalking is a series of unwanted acts by another person that harass you by calling, writing letters, emailing, or following you.  The stalker may increase the harassment and put you in danger. They may threaten to hurt you, your family members or your pets.

Stalking can be:
   * making unwanted phone calls and/or text messages;
   * sending unsolicited or unwanted letters or e-mails;
   * following or spying on the victim;
   * showing up at a place where they had no reason to be;
   * waiting at places for the victim;
   * leaving unwanted items, presents, or flowers;
   * posting information or spreading rumors about the victim on the internet, in a public place, or by word of          mouth.

www.ovw.usdoj.gov/aboutstalking.htm








There Are 3 Main Types of Stalking:

Love Obsession- has had some prior relationship with the victim, usually an intimate one.
Simple Obsession-has no existing relationship with the victim
Erotomania-believe that the victim loves them. The victim is usually of higher status and can be a complete stranger. This is the rarest category of stalkers.

Impact On Victims

The impact of stalking on victims can be devastating.  Some of the effects are insomnia, paranoia, depression, and isolation.  The victims may take a self protection class and some cases, whether the victims are male or female, they will have to relocate and have an unlisted number.

Cyber-Stalking

Cyber-stalking can be defined as threatening behavior or unwanted advances directed at another person using the internet and other forms of online and computer communications.  Cyber-stalkers target their victims through chat rooms, message boards, discussion forums, and e-mails.  It may take many forms such as: threatening or obscene e-mails, live chat harassment, leaving improper messages on message boards or in guest books, sending unsolicited e-mails, tracing another person's computer and internet activity, and electronic identity theft.


Safety Tips
  • Have a cell phone with you at all times.
  • Change your daily routine.
  • Always let someone know your whereabouts.
  • Use an answering machine to screen calls.
  • Never make contact with the stalker, no matter what.
  • Call 911 if you know you are being followed and go into a public building
















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