Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that causes reasonable fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others, or substantial emotional distress. Various tactics may be used, including (but not limited to): unwanted contact, gifts, showing up or approaching an individual or their loved ones, monitoring, surveillance, property damage, and threats. Even though stalking is typically directed at a specific person, stalkers may contact the individual’s family, friends, and/or coworkers as part of their pattern of behavior.  

What does it look like? 

  • Repeatedly calls or messages 
  • Follows you and shows up where you are at 
  • Sends unwanted gifts, letters, texts, or emails 
  • Damages your property 
  • Monitors your phone calls or computer use 
  • Uses technology to track where you go 
  • Drives by or waits near your home, school, or work 
  • Threatens to hurt you, your family, friends, or pets 
  • Performs other actions that control, track, or frighten you 
  • Uses other people to try to communicate with you, like children, family, or friends 

Safety Tips Tips for those experiencing stalking:  

  1. Trust your instincts. Your safety is paramount.  
  2. Alert others.  
  3. Keep an incident record or log. 
  4. Save evidence.  
  5. Plan for your digital safety. 
  6. Contact local resources to discuss safety planning.  
  7. Contact the police.  

Tips to support loved ones experiencing stalking:  

  1. Believe them and validate their feelings and concerns.  
  2. Focus on the pattern of behavior. Don’t blame the victim.  
  3. Support them, help them document the behavior, and connect them with resources.  
  4. Safety plan with them.  
  5. Respect their privacy.  
  6. Check in.  

Facts: 

For more information and resources about Stalking visit:Â