Stalking
What is Stalking?
Stalking is a pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, contact, or any other conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. Stalking is dangerous and can often cause severe and long-lasting emotional and psychological harm to victims. Stalking often escalates over time and can lead to domestic violence, sexual assault, and even homicide. Stalking can include frightening communications, direct or indirect threats, and harassing a victim through the internet.
Stalkers may:
- Repeatedly call you, including hang-ups
- Follow you and show up wherever you are
- Send unwanted gifts, letters, texts, or e-mails
- Damage your home, car, or other property
- Monitor your phone calls or computer use
- Use technology, like hidden cameras or GPS to track where you go
- Drive by or hang out at your home, school, or work
- Threaten to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets
- Find out about you by using public records or on-line search services, hiring investigators, going through your garbage, or contacting friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers.
- Other actions that control, track, or frighten you.
How to file a report if you are being stalked:
Call the police as soon as possible by dialing 256-782-5050 or 911.
Save all evidence (letters, notes, e-mails, faxes, voice mail messages, etc.).
Be specific.
Record obscene or threatening phone calls.
Notify law enforcement of any further contact.
Inform everyone around you that you are being stalked. Describe the stalker so that they may alert you to his/her presence.
Walk or travel with a friend or in a group whenever possible.
Think ahead, have a safety plan, and never underestimate the potential for danger.