January 1 marked the start of National Stalking Awareness Month (NSAM). From now till January 31, legal organizations, non-profits and law enforcement will focus their attention on bringing awareness and education to the topic of stalking. Here are five things you should know about stalking.
Stalking Affects Everyone. Stalking might disproportionately affect women than men, but LGBTQ+ individuals and minorities are affected by stalking, too. No matter who you are, how you identify or your age, stalking is a real and serious matter. In fact, SPARC estimates that over 6 million people in the US experience stalking each year.
Stalking Victims Should Obtain Protective Orders. Protective Orders, while a civil matter, seem to increase quality of life for victims of IPV (intimate partner violence). They also decrease violence towards victims, according to the NCJRS, which ultimately saves the state more money.It’s important to note that Protective Orders are different than ‘No Contact’ Orders. The simplest explanation between the differences lies in the consequences for violation. If someone violates a PO, the victim can call 911 and the person is charged with violating the PO. However, with a No Contact Order, the victim has to call the CA/DA’s office so a Show Cause can be filed against the violator. You can not call 911 for a violation of a No Contact Order.
Stalking Is Not Always a Felony. Less than one-third of states classify stalking as a felony on the FIRST offense – in fact, many states place stalking under the ‘3-strike Rule,’ where an individual’s third time being charged with the offense is automatically elevated to a felony. However, if there’s an ‘aggravated’ part to the case, or the stalker was charged with other felonies, the misdemeanor stalking charges might track along with the aggravated portions or automatically be raised to a felony. You should check with your local law enforcement/prosecuting attorney’s office to see what the statutes are.
Stalking Typically Coincides With Domestic Violence. While not always the case, most stalking situations occur as a part of domestic or intimate-partner violence. In fact, over half of reported stalking cases are caused by ex (or current) partners. Stalking amplifies the consequences of domestic violence by causing the victim even more fear. An example of how stalking can exist in a domestic violence situation? Say you’ve texted your boyfriend that you’re going out with some friends to a specific restaurant. Halfway through dinner, you notice your boyfriend outside. When you go out to see what he wants, he says he was ‘just checking to make sure you were where you said you were.’ This is not only an example of domestic violence but also an example of stalking.
There are Resources Available for Victims. If you’re a victim of stalking, there are resources you can access. Not only should you make a police report of the stalking, but you should also seek counseling. Contact your local domestic violence shelter to seek emergency housing if you feel unsafe in your home. Organizations like SPARC focus on bringing awareness on stalking and providing resources to victims, like contact logs.
Stalking is a real and serious crime, with long-lasting consequences for victims. If you or someone you love is being stalked, reach out to us to find out what steps you need to take to report the crime.